MILLIGAN, Tenn. — Carolina University men's basketball wrapped up its second game following the Christmas break with a hard-fought road contest on Saturday afternoon, falling just short in a 75–72 decision at Milligan University inside Steve Lacy Fieldhouse.

The Buffaloes opened the game with momentum, jumping out to a 7–0 start before the Bruins settled in and answered. Carolina responded with defensive stops and timely baskets to tie the game at 10–10 early in the first half. From there, however, Milligan closed the period on a decisive 30–13 run, taking a 40–23 advantage into the locker room.

Carolina showed resilience after halftime, flipping the script in the second half with an aggressive offensive push. The Bruins shot 56.7 percent from the field after the break and outscored Milligan 49–35, erasing much of the deficit and setting up a dramatic final stretch. Carolina briefly took the lead in the closing minutes and had multiple opportunities to tie or take the lead in the final seconds, but Milligan sealed the game at the free-throw line.

Deuce Ford led the Bruins with 16 points, while Tristan Kuska added 13 points and six rebounds. Jason Danso provided a strong spark off the bench, finishing with 12 points and a team-high seven assists. Carolina finished the night shooting 43.9 percent from the field and knocked down six three-pointers.

Head coach Jake Heck praised his team's fight and second-half execution despite the result.

"I loved our response after halftime," Heck said. "We didn't play our best basketball in the first half, but the guys stayed together, competed, and put ourselves in position to win late. That toughness and belief is something we can build on moving forward."

Carolina will look to carry the momentum from its second-half performance into the next stretch as they travel to Voorhees University on Wednesday January 7 for 6pm tipoff.