WAUKESHA, Wis. -- The North Park's Men's Basketball Team traveled north to Waukesha, Wisconsin to take on the Pioneers from Carroll University (12-8). The Vikings held a six-point lead heading into halftime, having the advantage in most categories. Unfortunately, Carroll played spoiler and won the contest, 75-72. With the regular season winding down, every win is even more crucial to get into the conference tournament.
North Park went ahead in the first half, 16-10, after layups by senior Kenton Lei's and freshman DJ Wallace's layups and a three by senior Shamar Pumphrey. However, before NPU could establish a double-digit lead the Pioneers would chip away. For the next 11 minutes of the half, North Park would have to settle for a two-possession lead until halftime, 36-31.
In the second half, North Park had as much as an eight-point but Carroll remained resilient and knocked down five three-pointers to the Vikings' zero, as well as getting to the line to shoot 14 free throws to the Vikings' 9. North Park had five players score in double figures to Carroll's three, however, the Pioneers' three other players scored at least seven and a had better output from the bench.
Vanlandingham heaved a near halfcourt shot to tie the game with roughly 11 seconds left in what could have been one of the biggest shots of the season. However, Carroll would get the dead ball rebound after the ball bounced off the front of the rim and win the game, 75-72.
For the Vikings, junior guard Kolden Vanlandingham led the team with 14 points, unable to find his rhythm from deep (1-for-9). As an offense, NPU finished 3-for-24 from deep, including an 0-for-11 drought in the second half.
Freshman forward DJ Wallace was next with 13 points and 7 rebounds, while senior guard Shamar Pumphrey and senior forward Kenton Lei combined for 24 points.
Top Performers:
- Kolden Vanlandingham – 14 PTS
- DJ Wallace – 14 PTS, 7 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK
- Justin Steineke – 15 PTS, 8 REB
- Kenton Lei – 12 PTS, 7 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK
- Kobe Simpson – 13 PTS, 4 AST, 5 REB
- Shamar Pumphrey – 12 PTS, 7 AST, 5 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK
- Lance Nelson – 11 PTS, 4 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK
What's Next?
The Vikings (10-12, 5-8 CCIW) are now in must-win mode as they have three tough games left to close out the 2023-24 regular season. Wednesday Feb. 7, North Park hits the road once more to take on Carthage College at 7:00 PM with one more home game the following week against Illinois Wesleyan. The Vikings close out the regular season with an away game at Wheaton College on Saturday, Feb. 17.
