The Millikin men's basketball team lost to Clarke University 75-68 in the Bill Merris Tournament at Illinois College on Dec. 30.

            Millikin trailed 39-32 to the half and played Clarke even in the second half.

The Big Blue offense continued to show improvement shooting 47 percent from the field.  Millikin couldn't overcome Clarke's 58.5 percent shooting.  Clarke hit on 47 percent from three point range.  Clarke out rebounded the Big Blue 29-24.

            Rodney Clark was Millikin's top scorer with 14 points.  Kyle Taylor had 12 points and a team hit eight rebounds.  Justin Thompson added 11 points.

            Clarke got 17 points from Justin Heng and 16 from Elliott Carr.

            Millikin opens CCIW play on Jan. 5 at Elmhurst