North Park's upset bid at the University of Chicago just came up short in a 90-86 overtime loss in Hyde Park Wednesday night.
The Vikings had an opportunity to win the game in regulation, but sophomore guard Juwan Henry's three-pointer just beyond the top of the key hit off the front of the rim. Both Henry and freshman Jordan Robinson finished with a game-high 26 points as NP moved its overall record to 6-2. The loss snapped a six-game winning streak for the Vikings.
Down 68-61 with 5:50 left in regulation, North Park fought its way back into it with a 15-8 scoring run to force the extra frame. After a Henry lay-up off a steal from Michael Hutchinson, Robinson followed with a three-pointer to trim the deficit to 68-66. Chicago responded to push its lead back 71-66, but quick hands from T.J. Cobbs led to a steal and a lay-up from the sophomore. Cobbs followed with another basket and Trevor Pye's jumper just to the left of foul line, which hit the front of the rim and bounced back up and in, gave NP a 72-71 lead with 2:32 left. A pair of Cobbs free throws with 31 seconds left then put North Park ahead 76-74, but Chicago scored on its ensuing possession to send the game to the extra frame.
Neither team could gain much of an advantage in the first two minutes of the OT period as both traded baskets down the floor. It wasn't until a North Park foul with 1:10 left and later a crucial turnover that Chicago was able to gain the momentum. The Maroons finished out the final 70 seconds converting on all six of its free throws.
Along with Henry and Robinson, Cobbs finished in double-figure scoring with 15 points on 5 of 8 shooting before fouling out. He also grabbed 13 rebounds for his first double-double of the season and his career. Jordan Smith led Chicago with 23 points.
North Park returns to action this Saturday when it hosts St. John's University for a 4 p.m. contest.