Thanks to Virginia Smith for the pictures
CHICAGO, Ill. – The North Park women's basketball team ensured that they would be hosting a first-round game in the CCIW tournament when they defeated Wheaton College by a score of 57-43 Wednesday night at NPU Gymnasium. It was a defensive masterclass for the Vikings, holding the Thunder to just 14 made shots on 57 total takes, while also grabbing 10 steals.
Lauren Lee started what would become a solid day for her when she splashed in a three ball right after the opening tip. After two buckets for Wheaton put the Thunder back in front, three straight shots by Esther Miller gave the host Vikings a five-point edge. With nine seconds left in the initial frame, Miller rejected Wheaton's Ellie Cassel before taking the ball the length of the court and kicking the ball out to Lee for a buzzer-beating three to give NPU an eight-point lead after one.
The second quarter had both offensives struggling to come by points, but the Vikings defense was ferocious, allowing a mere six points. All the baskets for NPU were hard earned past a stingy Thunder defense including a tough runner from Savanna Childress, and a strong and-one from Jayla Johnson. Miller scored the final points of the half on a layup with a minute to go to give NPU a 14-point lead going into the locker room.
Halftime: North Park 31, Wheaton 17
As the rain pattered on Foster and Kedzie outside NPU Gymnasium, the Thunder showed signs of life throughout the second half inside the gym. However, every boom from Wheaton was met with a lightning quick response from the hosts. When Wheaton drew within nine midways through the third, Johnson hit a jumper, closely followed by two layups from Miller to cushion the lead back to 15.
In the fourth, a big three by Wheaton's Hannah Swider cut it to only a seven-point lead for NPU, but Johnson and Lee responded with buckets to put it back to double-digits. Finally, the storm was averted with a slew of solid free throws from Lee, and a nail-in-the-coffin three from Hailey Lyczak.
Final: North Park 57, Wheaton 43
Quick Hits:
- Lee finished as the high scorer with 18 total points, as well as eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
- Like Lee, Johnson and Miller both sniffed double-doubles with 16 points and nine rebounds, and 12 points and eight rebounds, respectively.
- Lauren McKnight only had two points, but her contributions of five rebounds, four assists, and three steals did not go unnoticed.
- This is the first time in school history that North Park women's basketball have won both regular season contests against Wheaton.
What's Next?
The Vikings (15-8, 8-7 CCIW) play their final regular season game on the road on Saturday, February 19th against Carroll University (17-6, 9-6 CCIW) at 2 PM.
They will then host a first-round game in the CCIW Tournament next Tuesday, February 22nd at 7 PM at NPU Gymnasium.
