The Millikin men's basketball team picked up its first victory of the season downing Blackburn College 60-51 in Carlinville, Ill. on Nov. 20.

          Millikin built a 37-18 lead at the half and held off the Beavers in the second half with the Big Blue connecting on 39 percent from the field while Blackburn hit 35.5 percent.

          TJ Griffin lead Millikin with 22 points.  Tives Gardner added 12.  Deavis Johnson head a team high 10 rebounds along with seven points and three blocks.

          Diarra Cropper had 11 points to lead Blackburn.

          Millikin will take a few days off for Thanksgiving and then play three straight home games starting on Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. when the Big Blue host Franklin.  Millikin will also be home on Dec. 1 and Dec. 4.