Shane Smith poured in a career-high 29 points, but Millikin pulled away in the final frame to hand Monmouth an 81-70 loss Sunday afternoon in Decatur.
 
Knotted at 17-all after the first quarter, the Big Blue inched ahead for a 36-32 halftime lead. The teams played point-for-point in the third quarter before Millikin pulled away in the final 10 minutes, outscoring Monmouth 27-20 in the final period.
 
Carley Turnbull and Becca Gallis joined Smith in double figures with 15 and 11 points, respectively, while Allie Meyers led with a game-high 11 rebounds.
 
Monmouth returns to Midwest Conference play Wednesday, hosting Grinnell in a 5:30 p.m. contest.