Photo credit: Paige Wilcox

CHICAGO, Ill. – The North Park University men's basketball team fell to the Elmhurst College Bluejays, 98-73, on Saturday night,.

The Vikings put the Bluejays on their heels right away, marking nine-straight points for a 9-0 lead. In the scoring stretch, junior guard Toby Marek marked five points from a layup and 3-pointer.

Unfortunately, three free throws from Elmhurst's Jake Rhode, alongside a 3-pointer from Dominic Genco nullified the good start; North Park led by one point at 9-8.

In the middle of the first half, the Bluejays built an 11-point lead on successful trips to the free throw line and the occasional 3-pointer. However, 3-pointers from Marek and freshman guard Jalen Wilmington and an additional jumper for Wilmington put out the fire of an Elmhurst offense that was beginning to heat up; North Park trailed by three points at 34-31. 

The Bluejays were able to keep a small lead at the half, shooting 45.5% (5-11) from beyond the arc to carry a 47-42 lead at halftime. Elmhurst's Rhode marked 23 points in the half while Marek led the Vikings with 15 points.

Halftime: Elmhurst 47, North Park 42

Unfortunately, Elmhurst's Rhode further showcased his premier scoring ability in the second half. The Bluejay guard marked 18 second-half points on 3-of-4 shooting beyond the arc, finishing the game with an impressive 41 points.

This powered the Bluejays to outscore the Vikings 51-31 in the second half to take the game, 98-73.

FINAL: Elmhurst 98, North Park 73

Quick Hits:

• Elmhurst's Rhode led all scorers with 41 points
• Marek led the Viking scoring with 20 points
• Sanders and sophomore guard Alex Flute marked double-digit scoring nights with 12 and 11, respectively

What's Next?

North Park (3-15, 1-8 CCIW) travel to Decatur, Ill. on Wednesday, January 29 to face the Big Blue of Millikin University. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.