The Millikin men's basketball team picked up an important conference road victory knocking off North Central College 63-58 in Naperville, Ill. on Jan. 8, 2014.

          The win was another major step in Millikin's new era of men's basketball as the Big Blue snapped an eight game Cardinal winning streak in the series between the two programs.

          The game was a typical CCIW road battle in the first half with the game being tied six times.  Millikin pulled away in the final five minutes of the first half and built a 34-29 advantage at the half.  The Big Blue led the entire second half building a lead of 12 at 54-42 with just under 11 minutes left in the game.

          Millikin shot 44 percent from the field including 53 percent (9-17) from three point range.  North Central was held to 38 percent from the field.  Millikin forced 14 Cardinal turnovers while committing only seven.   The Cardinals won the rebounding battle 43-34.

          TJ Griffin led Millikin with 19 points going 5-8 from three point range.  Tommy Pilackas added 17 points and Tives Gardner had 14.  Bryn Agnew had a team high six rebounds. 

          Jack Burchett led the Cardinals with 15 points and 12 rebounds.  Landon Gamble also had a double double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

          Millikin improves to 7-6, 1-1 while North Central goes to 8-5, 1-1.

          Millikin will play at Elmhurst on Jan. 11 at 4 p.m.  The Big Blue will be back home on Jan. 15 to host Illinois Wesleyan at 7 p.m.