Millikin Triumphs Over Carthage in CCIW Tournament Opener
KENOSHA – The Carthage College women’s basketball team faced off against the Millikin Big Blue in the first round of the 2025 CCIW Tournament. After a slow initial phase for both teams, Millikin surged ahead with a dominant second quarter, ultimately securing a 63-57 victory to move on to the CCIW semifinals.
First Half Highlights
The Big Blue struck first with a three-pointer from Emily Brenneisen, followed by a layup from Nikkel Johnson, giving Millikin a quick 5-0 lead. Carthage’s Emma Thistle responded with a three, and a subsequent layup by Grace Cord tied the game at 5-5 with just 4:27 remaining in the first quarter. Scoring was limited thereafter, leaving Millikin with an 8-6 advantage at the end of the period, with Thistle leading the Firebirds with four points.
The second quarter kicked off with Johnson scoring to extend Millikin’s lead to 10-6. Emma Carlson answered back, but a three-pointer from Malia Green allowed the Firebirds to take their first lead of the night at 11-10. The teams exchanged leads before a 6-0 run propelled Millikin ahead 18-13. Marianna Morrissey narrowed the gap with a layup, but a late 6-1 run by Millikin saw them finish the half with a 24-16 lead.
Third Quarter Resurgence
To start the third quarter, Morrissey converted a free throw, and a 6-0 run featuring baskets from her and Green cut the Millikin lead to 26-23 with 4:54 left in the period. However, the Big Blue responded with a run of their own, ending the third quarter ahead 41-33, with Cord leading the Firebirds with six points in the quarter.
Final Quarter and Outcome
Green opened the fourth quarter with a layup. Together, she and Cord helped the Firebirds mount a quick 7-0 run, pulling within 44-42 with 6:07 on the clock. Millikin called a timeout and quickly answered with a three-pointer from Kyleigh Block, extending their lead back to five points. Morrissey sank two free throws to bring Carthage within three, but the Firebirds were unable to close the gap, ultimately falling 63-57 to Millikin.
Player Performances
Malia Green led the Firebirds with an impressive 19 points, alongside three rebounds and two steals. Grace Cord contributed 13 points and secured six rebounds, while Marianna Morrissey added 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Season Summary
The Firebirds concluded the 2024-25 season with a commendable record of 17-9, marking their highest win total since the 2018-19 campaign. Carthage women’s basketball looks forward to returning for the 2025-26 season. For additional details, visit athletics.carthage.edu.
