Thanks to Dr. Jeff Nelson for the pictures
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Augustana College men's basketball team led the North Park University Vikings for 39 minutes and 17 seconds on Sunday night. However, a last-second basket by Jordan Boyd gave North Park the only lead that truly mattered, as the Vikings of Chicago took down the Vikings of Rock Island, 60-58.
Augustana appeared to be running away with an easy victory, as the sharpshooting offense powered Augie to a 24-2 lead six minutes into the first half. North Park clawed its way back into the game through the remainder of the half but still faced a double-digit deficit, trailing 37-26.
The first ten minutes of the second half showcased more of the same, as Augustana maintained significant distance from North Park, 54-38, with 9:16 left in the game.
A layup and three pointer from Jonathan Johansson, jumper by Nicholas Ramirez, and two pointers from Jalen Boyd and Jordan Boyd brought the Vikings within six points (58-52) as a gritty performance was building.
Next, a fastbreak, and-one layup by Jordan Boyd forced a one-shot game (58-55), which Gabe Johnson would oblige on.
Johnson knocked down a jumper in the paint, was fouled, and completed the and-one to officially erase the 20+ point deficit with 0:14 on the clock – Augustana and North Park tied at 58.
After Augustana turned the ball over by faking an inbounds pass and accidentally stepping over the line, head coach Tom Slyder called a timeout as North Park looked to complete an unbelievable comeback. Following North Park's inbounds pass, a jumper fell short that was corralled by Jordan Boyd. Boyd went right back up with the offensive rebound to score the layup, giving North Park a 60-58 road win.
Quick Hits:
- North Park remains the only undefeated team in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW)
- NPU erased a 22-point deficit
- NPU outscored Augustana in the paint, 40-20
- Career high 23 points for Jordan Boyd, who was 11-for-13 from the field
- Three steals each for Jordan Boyd, Ramirez, and Johansson
What's Next?
North Park (6-2, 3-0 CCIW) continues a long stretch of games on the road this coming Tuesday, December 21, when they face Dominican University. Tipoff is set for 4:15 p.m.
