CARBONDALE, Ill. -- North Park Men's Basketball unofficially opened their 2024-25 season in a scrimmage at Division I Southern Illinois University - Carbondale on Tuesday night. The Vikings flashed some positive moments but fell, 106-71.

The Vikings held brief leads at 3-2 and 6-5 when junior guard Tristan Arneaud and senior guard Rico Powell, who both transferred to North Park this season, connected on three-pointers. However, it would be all Salukis after that.

North Park focused on long range shots in the scrimmage, going 13-30 from beyond the arc. Senior guard Davante Robinson led that action on 3-of-6 shooting from distance, finishing with a team-leading 13 points. Senior guard TJ Gardner was credited with four steals against the Division I opponent and added a team-leading four assists. Powell was the top rebounder with five. Arneaud and senior guard Preston Bax III each reached double-digit point totals with 11 and 10, respectively.

The Salukis utilized 66 points in the paint and out-rebounded the Vikings 53-24. They utilized their height advantage further by collecting 10 blocked shots. SIU's Jarrett Hensley had three blocked shots while Elijah Elliott was the top scorer of the night with 21 points.

What's Next?

North Park officially opens its season on November 13 against preseason No. 15 Wisconsin Lutheran College. Tipoff in Milwaukee is set for 7:00 PM CT.