CHARLESTON, Ill. – The North Park University men's basketball team took on Division I opponent Eastern Illinois University on Saturday afternoon, narrowly dropping the exhibition game 76-71.
The Vikings trailed by seven points (18-11) 12 minutes into the first half, but free throws and a three pointer by Gabe Johnson, put the Vikings down by a single possession, 18-16. Karl Polk, Jr. tied the game with a jumper as the game remained tied through much of the first half. The Vikings briefly pulled ahead on an Adam Bulwa layup, but a EIU three pointer by Kejuan Clements and a jumper by CJ Lane gave the Panthers a narrow 31-28 edge at halftime.
Eastern Illinois maintained a double-digit lead through much of the second half before the Vikings mounted a comeback with three minutes left in the game. With the score at 72-62, free throws by Johnson, a three pointer by Jalen Boyd, and layup by Polk brought the Vikings within four points before the Panthers called a timeout. This would be the closest North Park would get, as the Division I opponent limped away with a 76-71 win.
Quick Hits:
- Johnson with career highs in three made (3), points (19), and rebounds (10)
- Michael Osborne collects 17 points while Jalen Boyd adds 13 to round off the double-digit points contributors
- Five assists each for Bulwa and Osborne
- EIU's Kejuan Clements leads all scorers with 25 points
What's Next?
North Park (3-2) opens College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) play on the road against Carthage College this coming Wednesday, December 8. Tipoff at Tarble Arena is set for 7 p.m.
