CHICAGO, Ill. -- The North Park Men's Basketball team stayed ahead of the North Central Cardinals on Saturday night, turning in their second-highest point total of the season in a 96-84 win. The Vikings set a season high with 24 assists in the win and keep a three-way tie at the top of the CCIW standings.
North Park played without fear in the opening half, turning the ball over just two times while forcing six out of the Cardinals. The Vikings shot 55.3% from the field (21-38) and made 7 of 13 shots from beyond the three-point line.
North Park grew its lead to 21 points 15 minutes into the half thanks to eight fastbreak opportunities while not allowing a single fastbreak score for North Central. Finding their way to the glass in a burst of scoring chances, senior guard John Gaines, junior guard Kyren Gardner, and senior guard Rico Powell found buckets thanks to senior guard Lance Nelson and senior guard Tristan Arneaud's steals-to-assists.
Powell led all players with 10 points, shooting 4-6 from the field and making the only three he took. Senior forward Taijon Barry had six boards in the first half while North Central's James Bullock pulled down seven.
North Central struggled to find its rhythm in the first half, but still managed to make 4 of 12 threes. Tyler Swierczek led the Cardinals with eight first-half points.
Halftime: North Park 50, North Central 35
North Central found more success in the second half, getting 32 points in the paint and 25 from the bench thanks to 10 second-chance points. The Cardinals managed to cut North Park's lead to just four points thanks to a few and-one opportunities and a three by Swierczek. However, the Vikings reestablished their double-digit lead when Nelson was successful on a pair of free throws, Powell buried a three, and Nelson had a fastbreak layup.
FINAL: North Park 96, North Central 84
Quick Hits:
- Powell with 20 points and seven boards
- NCC's Drew Gaston led all scorers with 22
- Near double-double for Barry: 10pts, 9reb
- Three other Vikings score in double figures: Wallace (13), Nelson (12), and Bates (12)
- Career highs for Bates: Points (12), Assists (3), FG Made (5)
What's Next?
North Park (11-5, 6-1) hits the road for a game at Elmhurst University (7-9, 3-4) on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Tipoff inside R.A. Faganel Hall is set for 7:00 PM CT.
