LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- North Park Men's Basketball opened their 2025-26 season with an electrifying 93-87 road victory against Lake Forest on Saturday night.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, particularly in the first half, which saw the Vikings trail by a slim margin, 39-41, at the break. However, a dominant offensive explosion in the second half of 54 points cemented the win, pushing North Park's record to 1-0 to start the year. The team's efficiency, combined with excellent ball movement, tallying 18 total assists, proved too much for the Foresters down the stretch.
North Park's balanced attack saw five players scoring in double digits, showcasing plenty of new faces. Junior guard Mike Vuckovic was the catalyst, pouring in 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting, while also orchestrating the offense with 6 assists, grabbing 7 rebounds, and steals with 3. All of these numbers were career marks.
Transfer center Julian Campbell was incredibly efficient, dominating the paint and from beyond the arc with 23 points, shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from three-point range, and pulling down 6 boards. Freshman guard Marquis Vance provided a spark adding 16 points and 5 rebounds, while senior guard Kolden Vanlandingham and junior guard Jahki Grey were critical in the transition game, combining for 25 points (14 and 11, respectively); Vanlandingham led all players with 4 steals as well.
With so many lead changes, both teams were neck and neck in many categories like points off turnovers and bench points, but it was the fast-break points and points in the paint specifically that set the Vikings apart. North Park had a 46-36 advantage in the paint and outscored Lake Forest 13-5 in transition. What kept the score close was the Foresters' free throw shooting, at an 81% clip (18-22), they were near 25% better than the Vikings who were shooting 51% (12-21) from the charity stripe.
Despite the Vikings' scoring onslaught, Lake Forest matched their intensity throughout, paced by exceptional performances from their key players. For the Foresters, both guard Alex Forowycz and center Cristian Rodriguez tied for the game-high scoring mark with 27 points each. Forowycz shot 10-of-18 from the field and added 5 rebounds and 2 assists, while Rodriguez put up a double-double threat with 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. Luke Arington also contributed 9 points off the bench for Lake Forest. Ultimately, the Vikings pulled away by forcing 15 Lake Forest turnovers, securing 10 steals. The Vikings return to the court eager to build on this impressive opening night performance.
What's Next?
North Park's (1-0) next game will be at Alma College on Wednesday, November 12th at 6pm.
