ROCK ISLAND, IL - Hitting the road for their final away contest of the year, the North Park University men's basketball team prepared to take on the 10th-ranked Augustana Vikings.

Initially down by a score of 4-0, Colin Lake and Matt Szuba marked the first points for the Vikings. Lake swiped a pass from the 10th-ranked opponent and found Matt Szuba, who buried a three and brought the Vikings within one.

Staying on their opponents heels through much of the first half, the Vikings were able to manufacture responses for every Augustana basket.

Turning into a three-point contest, the visiting Vikings eventually tied Augustana at 12 all thanks to three points from Vegard Tangen and Colin Lake. 

As Augie pulled away by six points, Aaron Reed and Colin Lake teamed up for a layup and another three-pointer to bring themselves within one once more.

When Augie, yet again, extended their lead to six points, Matt Szuba kept the Vikings in the game with a shot beyond the arc.

Despite the North Park attack, Augustana found their stride and pulled away by 10.

Following a timeout, Vegard Tangen sent home his second three of the game to narrow the score to 34-27 in favor of Augie.

Unfortunately, Augustana settled in and led NPU 42-30 at the half.

The early parts of the second half proved to be the downfall for NPU. Augustana vaulted to a 24 point lead with 8 minutes remaining.

Although 5 quick points by Matt Szuba made it appear North Park was clawing their way back, the offense was unable to duplicate their first half performance.

Augustana ran away with the game; 77-60.

Top Performers

Colin Lake led the Viking offense with 20 points, adding 4 steals.

Matt Szuba was 3-5 beyond the arc, good for 11 points.

Seniors Dyron Woods and Jason Hines came off the bench to combine for 11.

What's Next?

The Vikings will play their final game of the season on Tuesday at 7:00 PM. This hosted contest against Carthage College will honor three seniors in Jason Hines, Colin Lake, and Billy Kirby.