Photo credit: Paige Wilcox and Dr. Jeff Nelson

CHICAGO, Ill. – The North Park University men's basketball team hosted their first home contest of the year on Monday, January 25, taking on the Cardinals of North Central College. The Cardinals came away victorious, shooting 15-of-23 (65.22%) in the first half to put the game away early.

The opening minutes of the game seemed promising for the Vikings, who only trailed 15-12 eight minutes into the game. Three-pointers by senior forward Matt Szuba and senior guard Lawrence Pointer made up half of the points, while the Boyd brothers (Jalen and Jordan) accounted for the other six early on.

Unfortunately, the Cardinals would heat up as the half went along. The 2020 National Tournament qualifying squad took advantage of 16 free points while shooting 6-of-12 beyond the arc and 15-of-23 (65.22%) in the first half, securing a 52-28 lead at the half.

North Park put up a fight in the second half, but the game had already been decided as North Central cruised to an 83-60 win in the Vikings' home opener.

Quick Hits:

• Junior forward Jordan Boyd shot 6-of-9 for 16 points
• Boyd also grabbed seven boards and swatted a pair of shots
• Freshman guard Mike Osborne tallied 11 points, including a pair of threes
• CCIW Player of the Week Blaise Meredith posted a double-double – 11 boards, 21 points

What's Next?

North Park (0-2) travels to Kenosha, Wisconsin on Thursday, January 28, to face Carthage College. Tipoff at Tarble Arena is set for 7 p.m.