KENOSHA, Wis. – The North Park women's basketball team generated 23 points off of turnovers in a must-win game at Carthage College on Wednesday night. The Vikings came away with the win, 59-56, keeping their playoff hopes alive once more.
North Park showcased its most dominant opening quarter of the season, holding the Firebirds to just one made basket in the first ten minutes of play while scoring 11.
However, Carthage woke up in the second and third quarters with 19 and 22 points, respectively, while the Vikings stayed consistent at 13 and 16.
Trailing by three at the end of the third quarter, 43-40, Victoria Perry opened the scoring with a jumper two-and-a-half minutes into the final quarter. Next, Esther Miller forced a steal which led to a big-time 3-pointer by Perry, putting NPU up 45-43. Consecutive free throws by Elisha Dunlap and layup by Miller extended the lead to 49-43 before Carthage's Ayanna Ester sank a 3-pointer.
Things got interesting in the final 30 seconds of the half, with North Park up just 55-54. However, clutch free throws by Perry and Chantel Hairston secured the road win.
In total, North Park continued a trend of improving its scoring total each quarter, turning in 19 points while never giving up the fourth-quarter lead.
FINAL: North Park 59, Carthage 56
Quick Hits:
- Double-digit scoring totals for Perry (18), Miller (14), and Hairston (10)
- Three 3-pointers for Perry
- Hairston with a near double-double, adding nine boards and three steals
- Carthage's Lauren Knight was the only Firebird with double-digit points (10)
- North Park forced 21 turnovers, including 11 steals
What's Next?
The quest for a CCIW Tournament spot continues as North Park heads to Augustana College for its final regular season game on Saturday, Feb. 18. Tipoff at Carver Center is set for 5:00 PM.
