ELMHURST, Ill. - The Elmhurst University men's basketball team secured a tight 69-65 victory on the road at Millikin on Saturday (Jan. 18) evening.

Elmhurst improves to 7-9 and 3-4 in the CCIW with the win, while Millikin fell to 9-7 and 3-4 in conference action.

Tagen Pearson led the Bluejays on the offensive end, totaling 19 points and shooting 6-for-14 from the field, including a crucial three-pointer, and going 6-for-7 from the free-throw line. Sebastian Blachut and Dominic Trelenberg also contributed significantly with 13 points each, while Vinnie Adjahoungbeta chipped in with 9 points and 5 rebounds.

Elmhurst shot 49% from the field (24-for-49), including 6-for-19 from three-point range. The Jays capitalized on free throws, hitting 15 of 20 attempts (75%). Millikin shot 52% (25-for-48) but struggled beyond the arc, converting only 5 of 16 attempts. Rebounds were nearly even, with Elmhurst grabbing 23 to Millikin's 22. Turnovers were also close, with Elmhurst committing six compared to Millikin's ten.

The first half was a showcase of back-and-forth action, featuring seven ties and three lead changes. Elmhurst started strong, with Blachut and Trelenberg combining for early points. However, Millikin's Lane Thomann kept the home team in contention with efficient inside scoring. Elmhurst's bench also made an impact, contributing 10 points. At halftime, Elmhurst held a narrow 34-32 lead, thanks to their sharp free-throw shooting and fast-break execution.

The second half intensified as both teams traded baskets in the early minutes. Pearson's clutch three-pointer and Blachut's composure in the paint gave Elmhurst a mid-half advantage. Millikin fought back behind Thomann's stellar performance, but turnovers and missed opportunities cost them. Elmhurst displayed resilience, with Adjahoungbeta and Trelenberg stepping up in critical moments. In the final minutes, Elmhurst's defense stifled Millikin's attempts to regain the lead, and Pearson sealed the game with two late free throws, securing a 69-65 victory.

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