The Millikin men's basketball team dropped its conference opener 64-39 to the nation's third ranked Division III team, Augustana, on Jan. 4 at home.

          Millikin played the Vikings tough for the first 30 minutes before running out of gas and were unable to stop a late Augustana push.  The Big Blue were within seven midway through the second half.  It was a rugged CCIW defensive battle with the Vikings being held to 36 percent from the field while Millikin shot 33 percent.   Augustana's size was a major factor in the game with the Vikings out rebounding Millikin 43-27.

          Brock Van Nordeck was Millikin's top scorer with 11 points.   Kelvin Jacobs had a team high seven rebounds and scored seven points.

          Augustana's top scorer was Troy Rorer with 14.

          Millikin will play at Carthage on Jan. 7 at 4 p.m.