CHICAGO, Ill. -- North Park made a late run against Wheaton on Saturday night but came up short, suffering a 79-69 loss in Chicago. The loss drops the Vikings to 1-5 in the CCIW race.

The Thunder led North Park though the first half with a score of 40-27. Both squads shot just over 37% from the field (North Park 11-for-29, Wheaton 12-for-32). The two teams were also close in points coming from beyond the arc, with the Thunder going 4-for-11 and the Vikings going 3-for-13.  

Wheaton packed in the free points going 12-for-14 (85.7%) in the first half alone compared to the Vikings 2-for-5 (40.0%).  

North Park came out for the second half firing, increasing their field goal percentage to 51.5 (17-for-33). Wheaton also found their stride going 12-for-26 (46.2%). Once again, the Thunder capitalized on their free point opportunities shooting 69.2% (9-for-13).  

Wheaton had four players with double digit points Nate Sock (25), Soren Richardson (15), Ty Ferguson (11), and Kyle Neibch (10).  

TJ Gardner led the Vikings with a new career high 15 points (previously 10 vs Lawrence 11/8/23). Kyren Gardner right behind also with a new career high 14 points (previously 11 vs Coe 11/18/23).  

What's Next? 

North Park hits the road to tip off against North Central this Wednesday night at 7:00 pm in the Gregory Arena in Naperville, IL.