CHICAGO, Ill. -- The North Park University Vikings fell to the University of Oshkosh Titans on Saturday afternoon, 87-71 in a competitive, back and forth game.
North Park gained a six-point lead thanks to above the rim play by senior guard Rico Powell, who seemed to be the first hand on every put back. The Vikings also had key shots made by senior forward Taijon Barry and a three pointer by senior guard Lance Nelson to go up 17-11 eight minutes into the first half. Powell would make another three, but deep shots by Michael Metcalf-Grassman and foul trouble for the Vikings let the Titans tie the game at 20 apiece.
Oshkosh snagged a lead with 5:38 to go in the half after an and-one three by Matt Imig. They extended their lead to seven on another three by Metcalf-Grassman and layup by Max Tutas and kept it there until the final minute of the half. Senior guard John Gaines went 1-for-2 from the free-throw line, Powell made another three, and Gaines completed a fastbreak layup to put NPU down by just one (40-39) with 16 seconds left before halftime.
However, the Titans got the momentum after a foul was called with a tenth of a second left on the clock during a tip-in attempt by Jonah Rindfleisch. He would make the ensuing free throws, giving the Titans a 42-39 lead at halftime.
Unfortunately, Oshkosh kept their distance in the second half. The Vikings briefly narrowed the deficit to six after a jumper by Powell at 13:41 and another pullup, fastbreak jumper by junior guard William Bates at 13:17. However, Oshkosh kept a three-possession lead through the rest of the game, walking away with the 87-71 win.
Powell led NPU with 28 points, and Gardner reached double-digit scoring with 14 on 4-of-7 shooting.
Powell added 14 rebounds to secure a double-double, which he already had after just the first half of play.
North Park finished with 10 steals - three by Nelson and two each from Preston Bax III and Powell.
The Titans' Michael Metcalf-Grassman proved to be the standout player of the game with 28 points and 5 assists. Brandon Beck and Jonah Rindfleisch added 22 and 9 points, respectively, for UW-Oshkosh.
What's Next?
The Vikings (1-3) look to bounce back on Tuesday, November 26th versus Anderson University (4-1) in the North Park Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST
