Close Finish at Carroll Classic Stings LC State, Local Fans Engaged

Carroll College beat No. 10 LC State 65 to 62 at the Carroll College Thanksgiving Classic in Helena on November 29, 2025. The Fighting Saints took control in the second quarter and led 30 to 26 at halftime after LC State had jumped out early. A late push by the Warriors narrowed the gap to two points at 61 to 60 with just over three minutes remaining, but Carroll built a decisive run in the final minutes to secure the victory.

Darian Herring led LC State with 15 points while contributing five blocks, five rebounds and three assists. As a team, LC State shot 43.1 percent and Carroll shot 47.2 percent. Carroll also dominated the boards, outrebounding LC State 41 to 25, a margin that helped determine possession and second chance opportunities in a low scoring contest.

For local residents, the game offered more than competition. Carroll hosting a ranked opponent in Helena brought visitors to Lewis and Clark County and created a focal point for community activity on the holiday weekend. Local businesses and campus life benefited from increased foot traffic and attention, while local fans had the chance to see high level college basketball close to home.

The game also raises ongoing questions about the pressures on student athletes. Travel, condensed scheduling during holiday tournaments, and physical strain play into performance and well being. Those factors are part of broader public health considerations for college athletics and for institutions weighing resources for athletic trainers, mental health services and academic support. Ensuring equitable access to care and support across smaller colleges and larger programs remains important to the health of student athletes and to the communities that host them.

The close loss leaves LC State with lessons from rebounding and late game execution, while Helena residents can take pride in hosting competitive postseason style play. Full play by play details and the box score are available from the game source for readers who want a deeper look at the match statistics.