This Millikin team is the real deal.
The Big Blue took down North Central in a back-and-forth match that saw a late surge from the Big Blue, taking the win 55-50.
Millikin played from behind most of the game, but they came through late, and at the 4:00 mark, they went on an 11-6 run to finish out the game with the win.
Millikin preached the constant memo to keep playing and pushing until the game is over, which has allowed the team to win challenging games.
“It’s really about toughness, not just physical but mental toughness, and toughness is performing at your best no matter what’s going on,” Head Coach Kramer Soderberg said.
The team is in a complete understanding of what the level of play will need to be to succeed in this Conference, as the CCIW reigns as one of the most competitive bunches of teams in the NCAA.
“CCIW is a beast top to bottom, there aren’t gonna be any easy games,” Lane Thomann said.
The team was highlighted by three players with over 10 points, and the depth of talent this team showed up in a big way. Millikin was able to play 10 players for over 10 minutes, with each player contributing huge minutes.
The Big Blue also showed a weighty defensive presence, racking up nine steals and allowing only 50 points, the lowest all season, continuing the defensive motto.
“Outlast them, possession by possession,” Thomann said.
Millikin also saw Thomann and Senior Point Guard Nate Straughter make two vital free throws, both going 2-2, sealing the game for the Big Blue. Thomann and Straughter stressed the importance of the free throws, but also the confidence they had to make such big shots late in the game.
“It’s free,” both said.
Millikin advances to 7-1 for the first time in many years. However, the team stressed the importance of keeping a level head and moving on to the next game.
“None of us has experienced it before… I don’t want to be caught up in 7-1. I want to be 0-0 now and go 1-0 tomorrow,” Thomann said.
Millikin also had many fans show out and go wild today for the Big Blue, a feature that didn’t go unnoticed. Even Millikin’s very own President Dean Pribbenow expressed his excitement for the team.
“I’m excited, I just love to come out and watch the team compete and play. It’s clear they are all just so committed to the sport,” Pribbenow said. “I love that, I see it here in the gym, on the field, in the theater, students show up to show one another support. I think it says a lot about the Big Blue.”
The team looks to face off against North Park University on Saturday, December 8th, at 4:15 p.m. in Chicago, Illinois. The team is looking to continue their dominance and advance to 8-1, advancing into unprecedented territory for the Men’s Basketball program.
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