The Millikin men's basketball team lost to Aurora University 105-93 on November 18 at the Griswold Center in Decatur, Illinois.  It was the season opener for Aurora and the Big Blue fall to 0-2 on the season.

          The Spartans started the season with a hot shooting stroke hitting on 62 percent from the field including 70 percent in the first half.  Aurora was 12-25 from three point range and went 9-16 from beyond the arc in the first half. 

          Millikin shot 44 percent from the field and 41 percent from three point range. 

          The game had 59 free throws taken with Aurora going 19-27 (70 percent) while the Big Blue hit on 28-32 (87.5 percent).

          Aurora edged Millikin in the rebounding battle 32-31.

          Millikin got a career high 39 points from TJ Sims.  Sims was a perfect 12-12 from the free throw line.  He is now 16-16 on the season from the line.  Freshman Tyler Pygon came off the bench to add 15 points.  TJ Griffin, Tommy Pilackas and Elijah Kinmon each scored nine points.  Bryn Agnew had a team high seven rebounds and six points. 

          Aurora had four players in double figures led by Tyler Hall with 21 points.  Nick Gladis and Jovon Griffin each had 19 and Chris Fritsch had 18.    

          Next up for Millikin is the CCIW vs. SLIAC Challenge this weekend at Greenville College.  The Big Blue will face Westminster College on Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. to open the tournament.