Photo credit: Dr. Jeff Nelson
CHICAGO, Ill. – The North Park University men's basketball team returned to College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) action on Wednesday night, falling to the Millikin University Big Blue 69-64.
North Park dominated through the first three minutes of play, utilizing one of its best stretches of the season to vault ahead, 12-0. Junior guard Toby Marek powered the hot start with seven points, including a three-pointer after a Millikin timeout.
However, the Big Blue went on a 14-4 run in the next five minutes to cut the Viking lead to 16-14.
North Park temporarily lost its lead at the 9:38 mark, but 20 first-half points from Marek propelled the Vikings to a 36-32 at halftime. Marek totaled 20 points, shooting 3-for-4 beyond the arc.
Halftime: North Park 36, Millikin 32
Unfortunately, Millikin capitalized on 17 points via turnover in the second half, outscoring the Vikings 37-28. Junior forward Matt Szuba shot 3-for-6 beyond the arc and freshman forward Karl Polk, Jr. contributed eight points in the half. However, the Big Blue kept a keen eye on Marek in the second half, limiting him to just two points on the way to a 69-64 Millikin victory.
FINAL: Millikin 69, North Park 64
Quick Hits:
- Marek led all scorers with 22 points
- Freshman guard Darion Binion posted a season-high 10 points off the bench
- Szuba pulled down a game-leading nine rebounds
What's Next?
North Park (2-11, 0-4 CCIW) will travel to face No. 11 Elmhurst College on Saturday, January 11. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.
