ELMHURST, Ill. - The Elmhurst University men's basketball team fell to Carroll by a score of 83-68 at R.A. Faganel Hall on Saturday (Feb. 22) evening.

The Bluejays struggled in the first half, trailing 37-25 at halftime, and despite a stronger second-half effort, they couldn't overcome Carroll's efficient offense. The loss drops Elmhurst to an 11-14 overall record and 7-9 in CCIW play, while Carroll improves to 9-16 and 5-11 in conference action.

Tagen Pearson led the Bluejays in scoring with 18 points, going 3-for-7 from beyond the arc and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. Dominic Trelenberg contributed 12 points, along with seven rebounds, while Jack Cherry and Sebastian Blachut each added six points. Elmhurst's bench played a significant role, accounting for 23 points, with Dylan Engler and Robert Roszkiewicz making notable contributions.

Carroll shot an impressive 50% from the field (32-of-64) compared to Elmhurst's 34.8% (24-of-69). The Pioneers also outperformed the Bluejays from three-point range, hitting 10-of-28 (35.7%) while Elmhurst managed just 7-of-35 (20%). Despite a strong rebounding effort (40-33 advantage for Elmhurst), turnovers (14 for Elmhurst vs. 10 for Carroll) and efficient Carroll scoring proved to be the difference.

The game began with Elmhurst taking an early 5-0 lead following a Sebastian Blachut jumper and a three-pointer by Tagen Pearson. Carroll responded quickly, tying the game at 7-7 after Kobe Simpson's jumper. The teams traded baskets early, but Carroll pulled ahead midway through the half behind Aaron Wafford's sharpshooting. Carroll closed the half on a strong run, taking a 37-25 lead into the break.

Carroll continued its momentum in the second half, extending their lead to 43-25 after back-to-back layups by Jacob Naber. Elmhurst attempted to battle back, with Pearson hitting a three-pointer and Cherry knocking down free throws. The Bluejays made a late push, cutting the deficit to single digits with under five minutes left, but Carroll answered with timely three-pointers from Wafford and Simpson to seal the win.

UP NEXT

The Bluejays are set to begin postseason action this Tuesday, Feb. 25, in the CCIW Tournament Quarterfinals. Fifth-seeded Elmhurst will travel to Rock Island to take on the fourth-seeded Vikings of Augustana for a 7:00pm tipoff.

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