Media: Angelina Azzo

CHICAGO, Ill. -- The Vikings women's basketball team faced off with the Wheaton Thunder on Wednesday evening, battling out a tight contest from start to finish. North Park wound up just short of the Thunder after 40 minutes of play, losing by a score of 56-49 to move to 3-10 in the CCIW.

The Vikings and Thunder traded blows throughout, with the lead changing multiple times in each of the four quarters. North Park played big despite being at a size disadvantage, outscoring Wheaton in the paint 26-18 and keeping even on second chance points. Both of those were key facets of Wheaton's recent upset over the #1 seeded Millikin Big Blue. 

While the Vikings matched the interior presence of the Thunder, Wheaton's ability to knock down perimeter shots proved to be the deciding factor. With NPU leading 47-40 in the fourth, Wheaton went on a 10-0 run on the back of four straight jump shots—including two three-pointers—to earn themselves a 50-47 lead with a minute and a half left to play. North Park was unable to respond on the ensuing possession, and the Thunder followed up with a layup to make it a two-possession game. Kathryn Keehn answered back with a basket to bring the deficit to 3 points once more. However, with little time left on the clock, NPU was forced to send Wheaton to the free throw line where the Thunder secured their victory. 

The Vikings were led in scoring by Kathryn Keehn and Esther Miller who both finished with 10. Chantel Hairston finished with a game-high of 11 rebounds while adding 7 points. Defensively, Miller and Lauren McKnight both swiped 3 steals, while the Vikings as a team forced 21 turnovers. 

What's Next?

North Park's next matchup comes on Saturday, February 11th against the Elmhurst Bluejays, who the Vikings beat at home by a score of 53-41 in the first clash. This time around it is the Bluejays set to host, tipping off at 2:00 P.M. at R.A. Faganel Hall.