A stifling second half defensive effort was key to the Vikings 65-63 victory over host Millikin University Saturday night in Decatur.

The Vikings forced eight second half miscues all while scoring eight points off the turnovers to pick up their 13th win of the season, but more importantly their fifth conference triumph of the year, which moved them one game away from a qualifying spot in the CCIW postseason tournament.

Playing without leading scorer Liz Rehberger, the Vikings avenged an earlier season loss to the Big Blue with a collaborative effort as three different players finished in double-figure scoring led by 15 points from sophomore Nikki Przybyslawski in 28 minutes off the bench. Przybslawski connected on six shots, including a three-pointer and converted on the biggest basket of the night, a shot just to the left of the top of the key which gave NP the lead for good with 4:10 left.

North Park held as much as a seven-point lead at 49-42 early in the second half after Przybslawski knocked down a pair of free throws, but Millikin used a 9-2 scoring run over the next three minutes to tie the contest at 51-51. The Big Blue then claimed a 58-56 advantage after a three-pointer with 7:37 remaining in the game, but North Park responded with a 9-5 clip highlighted by consecutive jumpers from Amani Davis and a huge three-pointer from senior Annie Shain to keep NP in control down the stretch.

Millikin did have an opportunity to re-claim the lead in the final four minutes but the Big Blue couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. Four different players finished in double figures for the hosts led 17 from Yip Ypya.

Along with Przybslawski, Davis added 13 points while Shain tallied 12 points on four three-pointers (4 of 8). Junior Soly Roman also grabbed 11 rebounds and Davis had four steals.

North Park (13-9, 5-6) returns to action Wednesday night when it hosts Elmhurst College for a 7 p.m. contest.