ELMHURST, Ill. -- After a week off from competition, the North Park University men's basketball team fell to the Elmhurst College Bluejays, 59-89, on Saturday.

After a scoreless minute and thirty seconds, the Bluejays marked 8 unanswered points. A three-pointer from sophomore forward Matt Szuba and jumper from sophomore guard Izaiah Sanders brought the Vikings within three, but Elmhurst would accelerate to a 15-5 lead after a three-pointer by Nick Perry and layups from Pavlos Marakis and Jeremy Ireland.

As the half wound down, the Bluejays would maintain a safe distance until sophomore guard Toby Marek, Szuba, and Sanders scored three consecutive baskets. Next, a three from freshman guard Kindrel Morris brought the Vikings into striking distance at 21-25.

However, the Bluejays would weather the storm to hold a 38-25 lead at halftime.

Unfortunately, the Vikings were not able to catch up in the second half. Elmhurst shot 21-36 (58.3%), marked 9 points off of fast breaks, and utilized 30 points in the paint, all in the second half, to win 89-59.

Final: Vikings 59, Bluejays 89

Quick Hits:

• Matt Szuba was the lone Viking to mark double-digits, finishing with 11 including 3 threes
• Izaiah Sanders pulled down a team-best 6 rebounds
• Elmhurst totaled an impressive 58 points in the paint and 18 second chance points

What's Next?

The Vikings (3-8, 2-2 CCIW) step away from conference action to face Dominican University on Wednesday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m.