Katie Boston

Box Score

North Central (IL) NCC 6-15,2-10 CCIW

Carthage CARTH 15-6,9-3 CCIW

North Central (IL) NCC

6-15,2-10 CCIW

Final

Feb. 04, 2026

Carthage CARTH

15-6,9-3 CCIW

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	F
North Central (IL) NCC	38	27	65
Carthage CARTH	40	27	67

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | 2/4/2026 9:32:00 PM

Firebirds Survive Late Push, Top North Central (Ill.) on Buzzer-Beater

Next Game:

Millikin University

2/7/2026 | 4:15 p.m.

Next Game

Full Schedule

Feb. 07 (Sat) / 4:15 p.m.

Millikin University

History

Roster

KENOSHA — Ryan Johnson capped a back-and-forth contest with a put-back at the buzzer as Carthage defeated North Central (Ill.) 67-65 on Wednesday, overcoming multiple momentum swings before sealing the win in the final seconds.

Final Score: Carthage 67 - North Central (Ill.) 65
Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin - Tarble Arena
Records: Carthage 15-6 (9-3 CCIW), North Central (Ill.) 6-15 (2-10 CCIW)

The Firebirds gained momentum to go on a 10-2 run, taking the early 17-8 lead with 12:10 to go in the half. North Central started heating up by going on a 12-4 run to cut the lead to 28-26 with 6:25 to go in the first half.
The Cardinals knocked down a jumper to tie the game at 34 with 2:45 to go in the half. Carthage headed into halftime up 40-38.
AJ Johnson opened the second half with a three-pointer for the Firebirds.
The first ten minutes were tightly contested, with both teams exchanging shots, as Carthage led 54-53.
The Firebirds went on a 10-3 run to lead 63-56 with 3:27 remaining, but a North Central 9-2 run tied the game with eight seconds left.
Ryan Johnson scored a put-back buzzer beater to end the game as Carthage won 67-65.

For the third time this season, Ryan Johnson finished with 20 or more points, finishing with 21 in the contest.
Antuan Nesbitt added 11 points for Carthage, while AJ Johnson hauled down six rebounds.