Chicago, Il., -- The Vikings have gotten off to a 2-0 start this season, with both games coming down to the wire on the road. With all the new faces on this year's team, it's great to see them gel together so quickly and come away with these close wins so early in the season. They'll face their toughest challenge yet on Saturday when they host the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Eagles at the Carlson Gymnasium.
La Crosse (2-0, 0-0), currently the 7th ranked team in the country, have started the season hot taking down #17 Hampdenn-Sydney College and #14 Virginia Wesleyan University and look to make it three in a row against the Vikings. The Eagles are led by guard Sam Grieger who is averaging 31.5 points, 3 assists, and 1 steal per game this season so far, as well as having big scoring contributions from Dustin Derousseau, JJ Paider, and Sam Ferge, all of which have scored over 14 points in one of their first two games. As a team, La Crosse hovers around 30% from three-point territory and 64% from the line but they look to find the right shot within their offense, usually coming inside the paint. The Eagles have been attacking the offensive glass and getting easy scores in transition as a means of generating some easy offense through two games, a trend that North Park has seemed to be doing as well; setting up a fast paced high scoring affair on Saturday.
North Park (2-0, 0-0) has five players averaging double-digit points through two games and average 17.5 assists per game as a team, on a pace that is 3 higher than last season. The Vikings are turning teams over, averaging 10.5 steals a game and rebounding at a high clip, 44 per game. Junior guard Mike Vuckovic has been on a tear averaging 31 points, 7.5, 4 assists, and 1 steal on 57% shooting, getting help from four teammates who all are averaging at least 11 points per game in Jahki Gray, Julian Campbell, Kolden Vanlandingham, and Marquis Vance. Vanlandingham leads North Park in rebounds, assists, and steals, an impressive feat thus far for a player who hasn't played since the 2023-2024 season.
Tip off for the Vikings' home opener is at 6pm at the Carlson Gymnasium on Saturday, November 15th.
