CHICAGO, Ill. -- North Park Men's Basketball secured their first overtime win of the season on Wednesday night, running their win streak to six-straight games, thanks to an 80-73 win over Lawrence University.

The Vikings from Chicago have grown accustomed to close games and Wednesday's non-conference battle of the Vikings was no exception. 

North Park had its biggest lead of the game eight minutes in when senior guard Davante Robinson dropped in consecutive free throws and a steal by senior forward Taijon Barry, who had a career high three blocked shots and 11 rebounds, led to a tip in layup for senior guard John Gaines.

However, that 17-11 lead disappeared on a fastbreak layup from Lawrence's Nathan Valentine and threes in consecutive possessions by Nicholas Gouriotis. Another layup by John Gaines tied things up at 19-19, however, the visiting Vikings utilized points down low to regain a 28-21 lead.

Fastbreak opportunities, including layups by North Park senior guard TJ Gardner and a three by Robinson closed that gap before a free throw from senior guard Rico Powell and layup from Barry put NPU on top, 30-28, with three and a half minutes to go. The two teams would trade one-shot leads through the rest of the half, as Lawrence held a 35-33 advantage at the halftime break.

North Park's bench played a large role in the second half, totaling 18 points as the Vikings generated 20 points in the paint. 

Once again, both teams traded one-possession leads until three scores in the paint gave Lawrence a 60-56 lead with 6:55 left in the second half. A layup by Barry and fastbreak jumper by Robinson tied things up at 60 each before a dunk and 2-for-2 trip to the free-throw line from Barry put NPU up 66-62.

North Park kept its lead late into the game thanks to a pair of clutch free throws by Powell, when Lawrence began fouling to the bonus, keeping NPU up 68-65.

However, a quality inbounding play led to an overtime-inducing three from Lawrence's Nathan Valentine with one second on the clock.

Closing out 2024 in a quality manner, the Vikings from Chicago took the lead in overtime and never looked back. Robinson had five of North Park's 12 overtime points as Barry added four rebounds in the five minutes to secure another win on the North Side.

Quick Hits:

• Career high 18 points for Gardner, who added seven rebounds and a pair of steals
• Three blocked shots for Barry and sophomore forward DJ Wallace
• Five assists for senior guard Lance Nelson and three steals for Powell
• Barry with a double-double: 11 points and as many rebounds
• Lawrence's Casey Schoenecker swats five shots
• Four visiting Vikings in double figures, including 17 each for Schoenecker and Gouriotis

What's Next?

North Park (7-3, 3-0 CCIW) takes 10 days away from competition, returning after Christmas for a road game against Cornell College (7-3). Tipoff in Mount Vernon at Small Athletic and Wellness Center will be 3:00 PM CT.