ADRIAN, Mich. -- The North Park University men's basketball team opened 2020 falling to the Adrian College Bulldogs, 89-65, inside the Merillat Sport and Fitness Center on Thursday afternoon.

The Bulldogs came out in the beginning of the first half marking 13 of the first 17 points to lead 13-4.

The Vikings saw a spark in offense after scoring eight unanswered points, highlighted by five points from junior guard Toby Marek and a three-pointer by freshman guard Lawrence Pointer.  This run allowed the Vikings to cut their deficit to three at 26-23.   

Adrian extended their lead to as much as 15 points, but the Vikings clawed back marking the final five points of the half to trail by 10, 42-32, going into halftime.  Marek led the Vikings with 10 points and freshman forward Karl Polk Jr. contributed six points.  Polk Jr. also led the Vikings with six rebounds in the half.

Halftime: Adrian 42, North Park 32 

In the second half, the Bulldogs pulled ahead by 20, scoring 11 of the first 17 points. The Vikings worked to cut into the Bulldog lead, but Adrian shot a stifling 61.9% (13-21) from the three-point line and 61.2% (30-49) from the field to beat the Vikings, 89-65.   

Final: Adrian 89, North Park 65 

Quick Hits:  

• Marek led the Vikings with 16 points and five assists

• Polk Jr. followed with 14 points and six rebounds

• Szuba led the Vikings with eight rebounds and contributed as many points

• The Vikings shot 11-of-12 from the free throw line, a team best this season

What's Next?  

The Vikings (2-9, 0-3 CCIW) conclude its non-conference schedule welcoming the University of Chicago on Saturday, January 4. Tip-off at the North Park Gym is set for 3 p.m.  

--NPU--