Photos courtesy of Dr. Jeff Nelson; North Park University

BLOOMINGTON, IL - The North Park men's basketball team traveled to Illinois Wesleyan Saturday night to take on the CCIW's leading team.

The Vikings opened up the scoring with a three-pointer from Jason Hines, giving themselves an early 3-0 lead.

After a perfect trip to the free throw line, the Titans responded with their own shot beyond the arc to steal the lead at 5-3.

The Titans' consistent scoring was briefly nullified by the equally consistent play of junior Billy Kirby. Kirby had 12 points in the first half, going 5-7 from the field and 2-3 beyond the arc.

Joining in on the action of three-pointers Vergard Tangen added a pair through the remainder of the first half.

Vikings 32, Titans 49.

Unable to keep the Titans at bay in the second half, the game began to slip away. The Vikings shot just 6-32 (18.8%) in the second half while their opponents outscored them 38-15.

Keeping their top spot in the CCIW, the Titans handed the Vikings their ninth conference loss of the season with a score of 87-47.

Top Performers

Billy Kirby's 12 first-half points led the team. He ended the game 5-9 from the field and 2-3 beyond the arc. He also added 3 assists.

Vergard Tangen came off the bench with 9 points thanks to a trifecta of perfect three-pointers.

What's Next?

The men will return to action next Wednesday where they will make another long southern drive to Decatur, Illinois. Millikin is currently 1-8 in CCIW play, most recently losing to Wheaton 53-75.