PICTURED: T.J. Cobbs

Despite a valiant effort in two extra frames, North Park couldn't overcome Carthage Wednesday night as the No. 25 nationally-ranked Vikes were upset 91-88 in double overtime which placed them in a tie for second place in the CCIW standings.

A pair of Brad Kruse free throws with 11 seconds left in the second overtime sealed the victory and the season sweep for the Red Men while Jordan Robinson's final three-point attempt for the victory was blocked as time expired.

Carthage enjoyed as much as an eight-point lead midway through the first half, but North Park fought its way back with a 16-7 scoring run to close out the final 11:22 of the first half to take a 32-31 advantage at halftime.

North Park then built its lead to 54-49 after Robinson scored a lay-up with 11:36 left in the second half. Carthage countered with a 12-2 spurt to move in front 61-56 three minutes later, but North Park didn't let up as it tied the contest four times in the last 8:03 before heading into the first OT on a pair of Joe Biko free throws with 33 seconds left.

A Kienan Baltimore three-pointer then put Carthage ahead 78-75 with 1:17 left in the extra frame, but junior Colin Lake was clutch in the waning seconds as he buried a three to tie it. A three-pointer from Jordan Thomas put Carthage ahead to start the second OT and the hosts never lost the lead in the final five minutes however.

Senior T.J. Cobbs finished with a career-high 20 points on 8 of 12 field goals while Robinson poured in a game-high 24 points with six blocked shots. Billy Kirby added 15 points and Lake tallied 14 as the only Viking in double-figure scoring. Mike Stevenson led Carthage with 22 points.

North Park (15-6, 8-4) returns to action Saturday night when it travels to Wheaton College for a 7 p.m. contest.