PICTURED: Jordan Robinson

North Park proved its resiliency once again as the Vikes held off a feisty Elmhurst College squad behind a 34-point performance from junior Jordan Robinson for a 74-72 victory Saturday night.

Any comeback the Bluejays attempted NP thwarted with either a key turnover, blocked shot or basket to earn their 12th win of the season but more importantly their fifth CCIW victory of the year which put them at second place in the conference standings at 5-2.  

The Vikes held a 14-point advantage at 57-43 after a fast break lay-up from Colin Lake at the 10:51 mark of the second half, but Elmhurst came roaring back by scoring 24 of the game's next 36 points to close the gap to 69-67 with just under four minutes remaining. North Park used a quick 5-1 spurt to push its lead back to 74-68 on a Robinson lay-up however, but after back-to-back EC baskets and a missed NP lay-up Elmhurst had one last opportunity to tie or win the game in the final 15 seconds. A lost ball out of bounds as time expired put the Vikes over the top for the win.

Robinson ignited the crowd early as he stole the ball and went for an open-floor dunk for an early 5-2 lead, but Elmhurst came back to tie the score at 7-7 and later take a 24-16 lead with 7:26 left. North Park closed out the final 6:37 of the half with a 21-6 run to take a 37-30 lead at halftime.

Along with Robinson, Juwan Henry added 18 points while Joe Biko came off the bench to tally nine points along with a blocked shot. Senior T.J. Cobbs added seven points and four assists. Brian Kern led Elmhurst with 21 points.

North Park (12-2, 5-2) returns to action Monday night when it travels to Manchester University for a 5 p.m. contest.