DECATUR, Ill. -- The North Park University men's basketball team traveled to Millikin University on Wednesday night, taking down the Big Blue handily, 75-63.

Freshman forward Adam Bulwa sent in the first points of the game a minute into play with a layup and junior guard Toby Marek followed suit with a layup of his own. 

Millikin would briefly tie the game at 6-6, but a layup by Bulwa, fastbreak 3-pointer by junior guard Izaiah Sanders, and layup from Marek put the Vikings ahead, 13-6, with just under 14 minutes left in the half.

Millikin responded with a short jumper in its next possession, but back-to-back 3-pointers from Marek gave the Vikings their first double-digit lead of the game, 19-8.

Not only did this lead carry the Vikings through the first half, they kept it through the rest of the game. Through the first half of play, the Vikings shot 50% (15-for-30) from the field and 66.67% (6-for-9) beyond the arc to bring a 37-19 lead into the locker room. 

Millikin, who shot just 26.67% (8-for-30) from the field in the first half had a much-improved second half of play, outscoring the Vikings 44-38. 

However, despite a lower point total in the second half, North Park shot a deadly 62.5% (10-of-16) from the field and 71.43% (5-for-7) beyond the arc to earn the 75-63 victory.

FINAL: North Park 75, Millikin 63

Quick Hits

• Marek had a career night, totaling 31 points on a red-hot 6-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc
• Freshman forward Karl Polk, Jr. pulled down eight rebounds
• Freshmen guards Jacquan Binion and Jalen Wilmington both posted double-digit scoring totals with 11 and 10, respectively
• Bulwa's four stolen passes sets a new career best
• As a team, the Vikings shot a season-best 68.8% (11-of-16) beyond the arc

What's Next?

North Park (4-15, 2-8 CCIW) travels to Naperville, Ill. on Saturday, February 1, to take on the 13th-ranked North Central College Cardinals. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.