CHICAGO, Ill. -- The North Park University men's basketball team returned home on Wednesday night, falling to the Carroll University Pioneers (7-12, 3-7 CCIW) 61-66.

In the opening minutes of the first half, the Pioneers worked to a double-digit lead after a slew of layups, three from senior center Tyler Ingebrigtsen. 

Pioneers lead 11-3 with 15:21 left in the first half.

However, the Vikings responded with a trifecta of threes from sophomore guard Antonio Gardner, freshman guard Simon Jacobson, and sophomore forward Matt Szuba as North Park closed within striking distance.

After a made free throw from junior forward Charlie Soule, sophomore guard Toby Marek drove the lane to mark a layup and bring the Vikings within three at 17-14.

Senior guard Cardell Simmons kept the scoring momentum going with a layup, and Marek gave the Vikings their first lead of the game after burying a 3-pointer.

In total, the first half featured six lead changes and 38 points in the paint as Carroll led by a slim margin of 28-26 at halftime.

Halftime: North Park 26, Carroll 28

The second half of play picked up where the first half led off, as the Vikings and Pioneers traded leads through eight minutes. 

With 11:52 left on the clock, 44-42 Vikings

Carroll went on a scoring run, marking a 3-pointer from senior guard Troy Howat, a layup from Ingebrightsen, a layup from junior forward Kale Maupin, and a perfect trip to the free throw line from Soule.

7:33 left, 53-44 Pioneers

Battling back from a thirteen point deficit with minutes remaining, Szuba knocked down a pair of free throws, sophomore guard Jake Ellis buried a 3-pointer, and Marek followed with a 3-pointer of his own to close the gap at 63-58.

The Vikings marked their next three points on free throws, one from Marek and two from sophomore guard Izaiah Sanders, as North Park trailed by just two points.

Unfortunately, despite a big blocked shot from Szuba, Carroll's Nick Penny converted on his next three free throws to give the Pioneers a 66-61 victory.

Final: North Park 61, Carroll 66

Quick Hits

• Toby Marek led the Vikings with 18 points and three 3-pointers
• Matt Szuba followed closely with 11 points, 3 blocked shots, and three 3-pointers
• Antonio Gardner came off the bench to add 8 points of support
• North Park shot 52.4% from the field (11-21) and 6-11 beyond the arc in the second half

What's Next?

The Vikings (4-15, 2-8 CCIW) return home this coming Saturday, January 26, where they will face the North Central College Cardinals. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

Follow the Vikings on Twitter (@VikingsNPU), Facebook (North Park University Athletics), and Instagram (@npuathletics), as well as the newest release of "Around the Horn (PDF)" to keep up on all events, matches, and announcements for North Park University athletics.