ELMHURST, Ill. — The Carthage College men's basketball team lost a close game to Elmhurst 69-66 on Thursday evening in the Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) action at R.A Faganel Hall.

Carthage (4-6, 4-6 CCIW) jumped out to an 11-9 lead to start over Elmhurst (6-1, 6-1 CCIW) with a jumper from Garrett Horner. The Bluejays battled back to take control of the game with a layup at the 9:04 mark of the half. The Firebirds got within two with a three-pointer from Luke Barach and took a one-point lead with a three from Josh Washburn making it 24-23. The half saw five lead changes and two ties to end the first with the score tied at 36 heading into the intermission break. 

Carthage opened the second with a four-point advantage with a three-point bucket from Washburn however, the home team tied it at 49. Neither team would have the lead grow greater than five as a bucket from Fillip Bulatovic put the Firebirds up 59-54. Elmhurst put together an 11-2 run regaining the lead at 65-61 with under five minutes left in regulation. Bulatovic sank a jumper that put Carthage in control of the game however, Elmhurst retaliated with a layup and a pair of free throws to seal the game 69-66. 

The Firebirds will conclude their regular-season series with the Bluejays on Saturday, February 27 at home starting at 2 p.m. 

Head Coach Steve Djurickovic

"Tough finish to a great college basketball game. I thought we were the better team tonight, but they hit some big shots down the stretch. We executed well on both ends of the floor, but need to do a better job finding ways to get to the free throw line. Another opportunity on Saturday when we get to honor our seniors who have done so much for this program the past four years!"

Quick Facts

• Fillip Bulatovic and Josh Washburn each finished the contest with a double-double. Bulatovic registered 18 points, a career-high 14 rebounds, and eight assists. Washburn tallied 14 points and a career-best 10 rebounds
• Senior Sean Johnson added 10 points and four blocks marking the fourth game this season he has finished with four or more blocks. 
• TJ Best chipped in with eight rebounds and four assists.

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