Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324

Jan. 24, 2026 - In another tightly contested College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) battle, the North Central College men's basketball team could not overcome a late push by Millikin University, falling 64-55 Wednesday night inside Gregory Arena.

Sean Molloy scored the game's first points on a three pointer from Alejandro Diaz. James Bullock Jr. scored a second-chance basket off a Diaz rebound to take a 5-0 advantage.  After Millikin's first points, the Cardinals posted a 7-0 run to force a Big Blue timeout, up 12-3. Millikin responded with an 8-0 rally to come within a point, 12-11. The teams traded baskets as two three pointers from Tre Davis kept the Cardinals in front, 21-15. A Diaz deep ball pushed the hosts' advantage to double digits, 27-17, with 5:51 left in the first half. The Big Blue fought back within a point at the break, North Central leading 29-28.

An early 7-3 run for Millikin put the visitors in front, 37-34. The teams went back and forth, with a jumper from Justin Sveiteris giving North Central a 42-40 edge. Davis found Seth Cheney for three to keep the Cardinals in the lead, 45-43, at the midway point of the second half. Eight quick points for the Big Blue gave them the lead, 55-51, with five minutes to play. Millikin never gave up their lead, holding onto a 64-55 victory.

Davis led the Cardinals with 13 points off the bench. Molloy and Bullock Jr. added 11 each to pace the North Central offense. As a team, the Cardinals shot 33% from the field, 31% from three and 50% from the free throw line. Millikin shot 44% from the floor, 30% from behind the arc and 54% from the charity stripe. Chris Ketchum led all scorers with 16 points on the night.

North Central continues CCIW action Saturday by visiting No. 12 Illinois Wesleyan University. The Cardinals beat the Titans 68-57 at home in December. This week's game is set for 4:15 p.m. inside the Shirk Center.