PICTURED: Chris Freeman

North Park suffered its third-straight CCIW loss – a 70-67 decision to host Wheaton College – Saturday night at King Arena.

A potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer missed for the Vikes and Wheaton held on for its 11th win of the season.  

NP closed the gap numerous times throughout the contest but unfortunately could never gain the lead as Wheaton led wire-to-wire. The Vikes did tie the game 62-62 on a lay-up from T.J. Cobbs with 5:36 left in the contest, but Wheaton used an 8-5 run in the final 3:46 to pull out the win.

Junior Jordan Robinson recorded his 10th double-double of the season as he poured in a team-high 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Senior T.J. Cobbs was the only other Viking in double-figure scoring as he tallied 15 points. Junior Colin Lake added nine points, Joe Biko eight, Darius Brown six and Chris Freeman had a career-high five.

Despite the loss, North Park out-rebounded Wheaton 41-38, including a 19-7 edge on the offensive glass which led to 11 second chance points. The Vikes also dominated the inside with 32 points in the paint and they generated 16 points off turnovers with Cobbs swiping four steals. Aston Francis led three different players for Wheaton in double-figure scoring with a game-high 28 points.

North Park (15-7, 8-5) returns to action Wednesday night when it travels to Waukesha, Wisconsin for a 7 p.m. contest with Carroll University.