The Millikin men's basketball team lost to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 55-64 on Dec. 9 at the Griswold Center in Decatur, Ill.

          Millikin started out strong holding a lead for most of the first half.  Rose-Hulman put on a strong push to end the half and took a 30-26 advantage into halftime.

          The Engineers took control of the game early in the second half building a lead as large as 15 points.  Millikin battled back to pull with four at 55-41 with four minutes left to play, but the Engineers hit on nine of 12 free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.

          Rose-Hulman hit on 43 percent from the field while Millikin connected on 39 percent.  The Engineers had an advantage at the free throw line hitting on 22-27 (81.5 percent) compared to 10-14 (71 percent) for Millikin.  The Engineers won the rebounding battle 29-25.

          Deavis Johnson was Millikin's top scorer and rebounder with 13 points and eight rebounds.  Tives Gardner added 10.

          Julian Strickland scored 19 points to top Rose-Hulman.  Strickland was 10-12 from the free throw line.  Jimmy Miller and Jordy Martin each had 11.

          Rose-Hulman improves to 4-3 while Millikin goes to 5-3.

          The Big Blue host Concordia (Wis.) on Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.