The Millikin men's basketball team picked up a key conference win Saturday afternoon, defeating Carthage College 77–74 at the Griswold P.E. Center to improve to 12–5 overall and 4–4 in CCIW play.

Millikin led 36–33 at halftime and maintained control for much of the second half, answering multiple Carthage scoring runs and executing down the stretch to secure the three-point victory.

Lane Thomann delivered a standout performance, leading all scorers with a career-high 35 points while adding 12 rebounds for a double-double. Thomann's scoring presence anchored the Big Blue offense throughout the contest and proved decisive in key moments late.

Nate Straughter chipped in 13 points and Chris Ketchum provided a spark off the bench with eight points and six rebounds.

Millikin shot 48.2% from the field and went 19-for-25 at the free-throw line, converting key attempts in the final minutes. The Big Blue controlled the interior with advantages in points in the paint (32–20) and second-chance points (16–8), while finishing with 43 total rebounds.

With the win, Millikin continues its push through conference play. The Big Blue return to action on Wednesday, January 21, when they play Illinois Wesleyan.