DECATUR, Ill.  — The Millikin University men's basketball team dropped a 76–88 decision to Wheaton College in College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) action Wednesday night at the Griswold Physical Education Center.

Millikin trailed 44–32 at halftime but responded with a strong offensive showing in the second half, matching Wheaton with 44 points after the break. Despite the surge, the Thunder maintained control throughout the final period to secure the conference win.

Nate Straughter led the Big Blue with 15 points with five rebounds, while Lane Thomann added 10 points and four rebounds. Jacob Aydelott finished with 11 points off the bench and Tionne Spates finsihed with team high 7 rebounds. Millikin shot 44.4 percent from the field and 88.2 percent from the free-throw line on the night.

 With the loss, the Big Blue move to 11–5 overall and 3–4 in CCIW play. The Big Blue will return to the Griswold Center on Saturday, January 17, when they host Carthage College in CCIW action.