The Millikin men's basketball team battled throughout the night but came up short in a 72–62 loss to Illinois Wesleyan. The result moves the Big Blue to 12–6 overall and 4–5 in CCIW play.

Millikin set the tone defensively in the first half, building a lead as large as 13 points while holding Illinois Wesleyan to just 23.1 percent shooting from the field. The Big Blue carried a 29–22 advantage into halftime after controlling the paint and forcing contested looks on the defensive end. Illinois Wesleyan responded with a strong second half, using improved shooting and a late run to swing momentum and pull away in the closing minutes.

Lane Thomann led Millikin with 17 points and 11 rebounds, recording a double-double while playing nearly the entire game. Nate Straughter added 16 points and five rebounds, and Chris Ketchum provided a spark off the bench with 14 points and five rebounds. Millikin won the rebounding battle 36–32 and outscored Illinois Wesleyan 26–18 in the paint.

Millikin will look to bounce back on Wednesday, January 28, when they travel to North Central for another CCIW matchup.