The men’s basketball team had their season opener this past Saturday, where they fell to Millikin 71-55. Senior Max Maring opened the scoring with 2 free throws for the Scots, but the Scots wouldn’t see the lead again for the rest of the match. Sophomore Zay Brown got into the score column with his first bucket of the night with 15 minutes to go in the first half. But the Scots went on a scoring drought, resulting in Millikin taking the lead 21-7.
Millikin went into halftime with a 31-21 lead over the Scots. Coming out of halftime, Sophomore Cameron Thomas started the second half with a layup off a turnover by Millikin. Brown scored again off a fast break and then hit a jumper. Senior Kyle Taylor made a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to six, and Maring followed with a 3-pointer to force a Millikin timeout. Millikin went back up by seven, and Brown converted a 3-point play. Thomas hit a 3-pointer, helping the Scots battle back within one, 42-41. Millikin would go on to a 6-0 run in response, though winning 71-55.
The Fighting Scots will play three road games before hosting Eureka on Nov. 22.
Kyle Taylor eyes a defender. Photo by Nayeli Perez.