The Millikin men's basketball team returned to action after the Christmas holiday with a 71-61 loss to Adrian College at home on Dec. 29.

          Millikin's shooting touch was a little rusty in the first half after a nine day layoff with the Big Blue hitting on only 29.6 percent of its shots.  Adrian hit on 39 percent from the field in the first half and built a 32-22 advantage at halftime.

          Millikin played the Bulldogs even in the second half improving their shooting to 53 percent, but the Big Blue couldn't cut into the Adrian lead.

          For the game Millikin shot 42 percent compared to Adrian's 41 percent.  The Bulldogs had the advantage from three point range were they hit on 7 of 28 shots (Millikin was 5-20) and at the free throw line where the Bulldogs made 18 of 28 attempts.  Millikin was six of nine from the line.  Adrian out rebounded Millikin 38-33.

          Matt Merrigan was Millikin's top scorer with 16 points.  Freshman Aaron Hall came off the bench to scored 12 and Rodney Clark added 10.  Nikko Robertson had a team high six rebounds and scored nine points.

          Adrian's top scorers were Eric Lewis and Richaud Pack each with 18 points.

          Millikin returns to action on Friday, Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. at NCAA DII opponent Maryville University in St. Louis, Mo.  The Big Blue will open CCIW play on Wednesday, Jan. 4 against Augustana.  The men's game is at 7:30 p.m. following the Millikin women's conference opener against the Vikings starting at 5:30 p.m.