NAPERVILLE — League play continued to take shape for College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) men’s hoops over the first full week following the holiday break, with movement at the top of the standings and several nationally relevant performances across the league. 
 
Carthage maintained its position in first place, Illinois Wesleyan returned to the national rankings behind its defensive identity and multiple games were decided in overtime or the final seconds. As the calendar turns deeper into January, early separation has begun to emerge while the middle of the conference remains tightly contested.
 
Firebirds Set the Pace
Carthage holds sole possession of first place in the league standings after picking up a pair of league wins since the holiday break. The Firebirds (4-1) opened the new year with an 80-65 win over Elmhurst last Saturday and followed with a 69-61 road victory at North Central on Wednesday. 
 
Junior guard Riley Brooks led the stretch with three consecutive 20-point performances, including 22 points against Benedictine on Dec. 30 and 21 at North Central. Brooks currently ranks ninth nationally in total three-pointers made (42) and third in the CCIW in free-throw percentage (.860).
 
Vikings Rally to Stay Near the Top
North Park remained near the top of the CCIW standings after a 92-87 overtime win at North Central last Saturday. The Vikings trailed by as many as 18 points in the second half before forcing overtime and securing the road victory. 
 
Junior Mike Vuckovic led the comeback with 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting. Vuckovic ranks third in the conference in scoring at 20.9 points per game.
 
A Defensive Identity Takes Shape
Illinois Wesleyan returned to the national rankings at No. 18 behind one of the top defensive units in Division III. The Titans lead the nation in blocks per game (7.0) and set a modern-era program record with 11 blocks in an 88-79 win over Augustana on Wednesday. 
 
Senior Nathan Boldt recorded five blocks in the contest, tying the conference’s single-game high this season. Sophomore Noah Cleveland continues to anchor the interior, ranking fourth nationally with nine double-doubles.
 
Cleveland Earns National Notice
Noah Cleveland was named to the D3hoops.com Team of the Week on Tuesday after averaging 21.8 points and 12.5 rebounds during a four-game winning streak over winter break. Cleveland ranks 10th nationally in rebounds per game (11.8) and 12th in defensive rebounds per game (8.0). Illinois Wesleyan also ranks 17th nationally in field-goal percentage defense (.386).
 
Big Blue Answer in Overtime
Millikin secured a key 83-77 overtime road win at Elmhurst on Wednesday after responding to a late rally with a 14-8 advantage in the extra period. Nate Straughter and Ian Winkler each scored 20 points in the victory. Millikin leads the CCIW in offensive rebounding and ranks 31st nationally in rebound margin (+7.7).
 
Thomann Sets the Standard
Millikin’s Lane Thomann was named CCIW Student-Athlete of the Week on Monday after averaging 31 points and 10.5 rebounds over two games. Thomann recorded 34 points and 13 rebounds against Augustana last Saturday and currently ranks second in the conference in total points (292) and minutes played (33.7 per game).
 
Close Games Define the Cardinals
North Central experienced multiple one-possession outcomes over the previous two weeks. On Dec. 30, Alejandro Diaz hit a step-back three-pointer at the buzzer to lift the Cardinals to a 91-90 overtime win over Bethany Lutheran. 
 
Four days later, North Central fell in overtime to North Park. Ethan Marlowe has provided consistency defensively, ranking third in the CCIW with 1.43 blocks per game.
 
Shooting Stretches the Floor
Wheaton continues to rank among the nation’s top perimeter shooting teams, sitting eighth nationally in three-point percentage (.390). The Thunder earned an 85-84 home win over Carroll on Wednesday, extending their home winning streak against the Pioneers to 12 games dating back to 1990. Soren Richardson scored 25 points and has recorded seven 20-point games this season.
 
Stops Seal the Finish
Augustana earned a 77-76 win over Millikin last Saturday behind defensive execution late. Freshman Andre Klaver scored 20 points and blocked the potential game-winning shot at the buzzer. Jake Willems led Augustana with 25 points in Wednesday’s loss to Illinois Wesleyan.
 
Numbers That Stand Out
Several CCIW players continue to rank prominently at the national level. North Park’s Kolden Vanlandingham is one of a limited number of Division III players with a triple-double this season and ranks sixth nationally in assists per game (6.1) … Carroll’s Michael McNabb leads the conference in scoring at 21.6 points per game … Carthage’s Ryan Johnson ranks 21st nationally in rebounding at 10.2 per game.
 
The Race Tightens
Carthage leads the conference at 4-1, followed by North Park at 3-1. Illinois Wesleyan and Millikin are tied at 3-2, while Wheaton and Augustana sit at 2-2. 
 
The upcoming schedule on Saturday includes North Park at Illinois Wesleyan, Wheaton at North Central, Augustana at Elmhurst, and Millikin at Carroll.