WAUKESHA, Wis. - The Elmhurst University men's basketball team suffered an 84-77 setback on the road at Carroll University on Wednesday (January 15) evening.

The Bluejays fell to 6-9 overall, and 2-4 in the CCIW, while Carroll improved to the same overall and conference record as Elmhurst with the win.

Tagen Pearson led the Bluejays with a game-high 24 points, shooting 4-for-9 from three-point range and perfect from the free-throw line (4-for-4). He also grabbed five rebounds. Robert Roszkiewicz contributed a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, dominating the boards. Sebastian Blachut added 14 points on an efficient 5-for-6 shooting night.

Elmhurst shot 51.8% from the field compared to Carroll's 41.3%, but Carroll's three-point shooting (15-for-43) proved decisive. Elmhurst capitalized on points in the paint with 40 compared to Carroll's 28, but the Pioneers' bench outscored Elmhurst's 19-15.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Bluejays took an early 8-6 lead after Pearson hit a three-pointer at 16:59, displaying his scoring touch. Elmhurst's inside presence shone, particularly through Roszkiewicz, who fought hard for second-chance points.

Carroll's outside shooting kept the Bluejays on their toes, with the Pioneers knocking down six three-pointers in the first half. Still, Elmhurst found ways to counter, as Jack Cherry's layup at 17:49 and Dominic Trelenberg's transition basket at 16:17 exemplified their aggressive style. The teams exchanged leads three times during the period, with Elmhurst benefiting from a strong presence in the paint, outscoring Carroll 20-8 in that area.

The game remained tight into the final minutes of the half. Carroll's bench provided a spark, helping the Pioneers close the period on a small run, giving them a narrow 43-38 edge at halftime.

The second half began with Carroll trying to extend its lead, opening with a quick dunk by Jacob Naber at 19:40. Elmhurst answered back, showing their resolve as Jack Cherry hit a three-pointer at 17:27 to bring the score to 48-41. Pearson continued his stellar night, using his agility to cut into Carroll's defense, scoring a crafty layup at 16:34 that trimmed the deficit to eight.

Momentum shifted multiple times throughout the half. Cherry's defensive effort led to a steal and fast-break layup at 16:13, energizing the Bluejays and cutting the score to 51-45. Elmhurst leaned on their interior scoring, with Jaiden Malichi finishing strong near the rim at 14:31 and Blachut contributing key midrange jumpers.

As the clock wound down, Elmhurst mounted a late charge, highlighted by a jumper from Pearson to bring it within three with 42 seconds to go. However, Carroll's ability to secure offensive rebounds and hit timely free throws allowed them to maintain their lead in the final minute, sealing the win despite Elmhurst's determined push.

UP NEXT

Elmhurst hits the road again this Saturday (January 18), taking on Millikin University in Decatur at 4:15pm.

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