DECATUR, Ill. – The North Park men's basketball team stumbled against Millikin University Saturday night, falling by a score of 66-54 to the Big Blue.
Gabe Johnson scored the first bucket of the night, laying the ball in on the Vikings first possession. While North Park continued their tradition of heavy offensive rebounding and forcing a multitude of turnovers, Millikin continued the trend of NPU's opponents shooting tremendously from the field. The Big Blue shot 52% in the ballgame, including a 57% first half that had the hosts up by 11 with 2:11 to go until the break. The Vikings did end the frame on a positive note, though, scoring six unanswered on an and-one from Karl Polk Jr. and a three from Johnson.
Halftime: Millikin 35, North Park 30
The Big Blue mostly kept a solid buffer in the second half, until a North Park run utilized baskets by Izaiah Sanders and Jalen Boyd to cut the lead to five. Millikin responded with a timeout and a lineup change of subs. It seemed to work as they quickly worked their lead back up to double-digits and held on for the win.
Final: Millikin 66, North Park 54
Quick Hits:
What's Next?
The Vikings (9-13, 4-10 CCIW) need a win on Wednesday, February 16th when they take on No. 13 Wheaton College (18-5, 10-4 CCIW) on the road. Tipoff is set for 7 PM.
