CINCINNATI, Ohio --

The North Park men's basketball team played the Muskingum University Fighting Muskies tough on Saturday afternoon but fell 80-81.

The Fighting Muskies bolted to a significant lead early in the first half. A pair of three-pointers by Jayson Peoples and another of the same variety from Jalen Paige created a 9 point lead, and a Mitch Clark layup extended the Muskingum lead to 11-0. 

Turning the momentum in North Park's favor, sophomore forward Matt Szuba tallied a pair of layups and a tip-in to cut the Fighting Muskies lead to 14-10. Next, Szuba marked another layup, following a Muskingum free throw, and Korvantae Davis nailed a three-pointer to even up the score at 15 all.

With just under 7 minutes left, both teams would remain knotted up at 26-26. However, Muskingum broke through as they knocked down three-pointers in three consecutive possessions to capture a 35-28 lead.

Before halftime, the Vikings would convert on 4 of 5 free throws, including three in a row by Toby Marek, late in the first half to move the game to 39-34 in favor of the Fighting Muskies.

In the second half, the Viking offense went to work early. Toby Marek knocked down a jumper, Kindrel Morris marked a three-pointer and layup, and Matt Szuba continued his hot streak with another three-pointer to capture a 44-42 lead minutes into the second half.

Adding to the North Park lead, Vegard Tangen tallied a layup in the paint and Szuba converted on a pair of free throws; 48-42 Vikings.

Late into the second half, the Fighting Muskies, trailing by 6 at the time, would sink a three-pointer by Mitch Clark, tally two more on free shots from Marcus Dempsey, and take the lead on another perfect trip to the free throw line by Jalen Paige.

With one second left and trailing 80-81, the Vikings could not convert on their final shot of the game, falling by the aforementioned score of 80-81.

Quick Hits:

• Szuba led the Vikings with a double-double; 23 points and 10 rebounds
• Kindrel Morris had another high-performing game, tallying 18 points and 4 assists
• Vegard Tangen added 14 points and Izaiah Sanders pulled down 7 rebounds

What's Next?

The Vikings (0-5) will play Waynesburg University at noon CST tomorrow in Cincinnati, Ohio.