Thanks to Dr. Jeff Nelson for the pictures

WHEATON, Ill. -- The North Park University men's basketball team faced off with conference rival Wheaton on Wednesday night, ultimately losing by a score of 67-77. 

The Vikings got off to a hot start to the tune of a 14-7 lead through 5 minutes, but Wheaton would soon find their stride and managed to even things up by the 10-minute mark. The remainder of the half was a back-and-forth affair ultimately winding up at 35-34 in favor of the Thunder. The Vikings shot a solid 50% from the field in the 1st, which trumped Wheaton's rather poor mark at 39%. Wheaton however was much more dangerous from 3–making 5 to North Park's 1–and they also had an advantage at the foul line. 

The Thunder started the 2nd much better than the 1st, but North Park managed to keep up the pace just as well through the early portion of the half and established a quick 5-point lead. Wheaton however caught some momentum with 3 straight 3-pointers to take the lead back, and that marked the last time it would change for the game's remainder. The Vikings again shot an efficient mark from the floor—just a shade under 50% in the 2nd—but it was the same Wheaton advantage from deep and from the free throw line that created their lead.

Despite the loss, the Vikings got great performances from the frontcourt pairing of Jalen Boyd and Karl Polk. Boyd registered a team-high 17 points to go with 5 rebounds on 53% shooting. Polk shot 70% while recording 14 points—2nd on the team—and he led the Vikings with 7 boards and 2 blocks. 

Next up for North Park is their final game of the 2021-22 season—a matchup with Carroll on Saturday the 19th at 4 P.M. The Vikings will look to finish on a high note out in Waukesha where they'll take on the Pioneers.