North Park vs. Augustana College - FULL GAME Replay

Is there any team in NCAA Division III North Park can't beat?

Facing their tallest task of the season thus far in No. 4 nationally-ranked Augustana College, the Vikings met the challenge head on leaving no doubt as they defeated Augie 76-69, upending another nationally-ranked opponent in the last three games Saturday night.

Before a near sellout North Park student section for Viking Crazy Night, the Vikings halted every rally visiting Augie threw at them as they came up with clutch play after clutch play and key rebounds to keep crucial offensive possessions alive.

Sophomore Juwan Henry, who finished with a game-high 23 points, electrified the crowd with a steal and a lay-up as time expired, giving the Vikings their third-straight win in the second half of conference play and their first victory over Augustana since January 9, 2008.

What was most impressive in North Park's victory was its aggressiveness to rebounding despite its height disadvantage. The Vikings attacked the glass with no remorse, out-rebounding Augie 41-37; including 11-6 on the offensive glass in the second half which led to 15 second chance points.

After NP took a 63-59 lead on a three-pointer from freshman Colin Lake with 4:13 remaining, Augustana twice trimmed the lead to a three-point margin in the final 2:10. But clutch free throw shooting from junior Michael Hutchinson, who converted on 4 of 6 attempts, kept the Vikings ahead for good.

North Park had a certain swag about them at tip-off and it showed immediately when Henry raced down court for a lay-up. Although his attempt missed, the Vikings used solid defense to force a tough Augie shot which led to a fast break jumper for Henry. From there, the Vikings pieced together a 9-2 scoring run and staked an 11-2 advantage in the first four minutes. North Park then pushed its lead to 19-8 on a lay-up from Lake at the 12:04 mark and took a 38-32 lead into halftime.

Five different Vikings finished in double-figure scoring. Along with Henry, Both Hutchinson and Lake had 11 points, while T.J. Cobbs and Jordan Robinson finished with 10. Henry grabbed seven rebounds and dished three assists as well. Ben Ryan led Augustana with 18 points.

North Park (12-8, 3-6) returns to action Wednesday night when it hosts Wheaton College for a 7 p.m. contest.