CHICAGO, Ill. -- After a slow-starting first game, the Viking Women's Basketball Team scored almost as many points as they did in the first game in just the first half this evening against the University of Chicago Maroons - 36. North Park would ultimately drop the contest late, as the Maroons outlasted the Vikings, 73-53.

The first half was a back-and-forth between the two team with North Park holding the advantage in 3-point makes and free throw makes over the Maroons.  Sophomore guard Aliyah Hershberger account for two of the four Viking 3's and freshman and sophomore guards Aliesha Peterson and Ashanti Bradley had one each.   

Hershberger through the first half was in a three-way tie for the games leading scorer with 13 points, two Maroon players also had 13 a piece.  What allowed Chicago to keep a lead going into halftime was winning the turnover and rebounding battle with 6 to the Vikings 10 and 23 rebounds to the Vikings' 15.  Chicago shot 47% from the field to North Park's 39%, getting more second chance opportunities and easy baskets in transition.  North Park went into halftime down 44-36 after a late run by Chicago when North Park had a one-point lead at 36-35. 

North Park would hit a wall in the second half as Chicago was able to lock in on the defensive end, only allowing 20 points to the Vikings.  Junior guard Kathryn Keehn found a rhythm scoring nine of her fourteen in the second half.  Graduate transfer Evelyn Abundes contributed 10 points and 4 rebounds, while Hershberger was facilitating well and getting her teammates involved with 4 assists.   

Quick Hits:

• Kathryn Keehn – 14 PTS, tying a career high
• Aliyah Hershberger – 13 PTS,  4 AST, 3 REB, 2-2 3PT 
• Evelyn Abundes – 10 PTS, 6 REB 

What's Next?

The Vikings head to the Beth Baker Classic in Wheaton, Illinois where they'll take on Whitworth University on Friday, November 15th at 5 p.m and Anderson University on Saturday, November 16th at 3 p.m.