Millikin men's basketball credits patience for impressive 7-1 start

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Millikin University men's basketball team is off to one of their best starts in recent history following their victory over North Central College on Wednesday night.

Big Blue has opened the season with a 7-1 record, their best opening stretch since the 2008-09 season when they began a perfect 8-0. The team rattled off five-straight wins to open the year and are looking to build on their momentum following their conference-opening victory.

"Kind of a long time coming," says junior guard Lane Thomann. "It's been a build up of not just this year, but years prior, this whole four years in the making. I think we're really starting to put together."

The talent on Millikin's roster has helped them to win in a variety of ways. The team has consistently scored 70+ points in most of their early-season games. However, they've also demonstrated their ability to run the floor with fast offense (like in their 85-77 win over Webster) or play a more defensive game (such as the win over NCC 55-50).

"I definitely feel a connection out on the court in outside of the court," senior guard Nate Straughter says. "We all really close, been with these guys for four years now. So we've all been waiting for, kind of our turns to pick up - to get more minutes on the court. We're all hungry and want the same product for them."

Big Blue travel to North Park in Chicago on Saturday in hopes of winning back-to-back CCIW games.