CHICAGO, Ill. -- The North Park men's basketball team faced off with the Blackburn Beavers on Monday evening, nearly crossing the 100-point mark in a 99-82 victory.
The Vikings operated with a balanced offensive attack that saw 5 players in double-figures, with Shamar Pumphrey and Kolden Vanlandingham eclipsing the 20-point threshold. An astounding 23 of the Vikings' 31 made field goals were assisted, with Pumphrey again pacing the team in that regard with 11 to earn himself a double-double. Meanwhile, the Beavers' offense ran primarily through Chanz' Aldridge who scored 33 points on just 21 shots, including a 7-for-12 mark from distance. If not for early foul trouble, Aldridge very well likely could have crossed the 40-point mark.
Foul trouble was a common problem for Blackburn, who allowed the Vikings 40 free throw attempts. North Park only connected on 70% of those looks, but the 28 points from FTs played a crucial role in the Vikings' victory. Blackburn knocked down nine free throws, and that difference of 19 is what ultimately cost Blackburn in this 17-point contest.
Pumphrey, with his 21 points and 11 rebounds, earned the right to be Charcoal Delights' Player of the Game. Vanlandingham matched his 21 while sharing the team-high of 7 rebounds with Quillin Dixon. Jalen Boyd, Jordan Boyd, and Karl Polk Jr. were the other Vikings in double-figures, scoring 18, 10, and 10 respectively.
What's Next?
North Park has a quick turnaround after tonight's victory as they take on Dominican tomorrow, December 20, at 4:30 P.M. They will make the trip to River Forest as the away side. This will mark the Vikings' second straight set of back-to-backs but, after Tuesday's game, they'll have a week and half until their next contest on December 30.