CHICAGO, Ill. – The North Park men's basketball team (4-2, 1-1) hosted its first conference home game Saturday evening against Millikin University (7-1, 1-1), looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking last-second loss at Carroll University on Wednesday. The Vikings did just that, earning a 78-65 victory to even their conference record.
North Park came out with energy, making several momentum-shifting plays early, including Jerome Smith Jr.'s chase-down block and Tyvin Garrison's charge in the paint. Garrison was everywhere defensively, recording three steals and two blocks in the first half to lead all players. Offensively, every Viking scored at least once, with Julian Campbell and Kolden Vanlandingham pacing the team with six points apiece. Vanlandingham also led all players with three assists, while Campbell added two blocks on defense. North Park entered halftime with a 35-32 lead.
The Vikings controlled the second half, never allowing Millikin to get closer than four points before quickly extending the margin again. North Park's defense continued to shine, forcing 18 turnovers—five more than Millikin's season average. Garrison and Campbell anchored the effort, with Garrison posting a career-high five steals and Campbell a career-high four blocks. Smith and Garrison each finished with a +15 plus/minus, underscoring their impact. Offensively, Mike Vuckovic and William Bates came alive late, scoring 12 and 8 second-half points after modest first halves. Campbell nearly notched a double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds.
For Millikin, Lane Thomann and Ian Winkler—its top scorers this season—finished with 18 and 16 points, respectively. Thomann also grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds, but no other Big Blue player found a rhythm, thanks to North Park's relentless defensive pressure. Chris Ketchum provided defensive highlights for Millikin with three steals and three blocks.
Vanlandingham capped his night with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, leading North Park in all three categories. Midway through the second half, he reached a major milestone: his 1,000th career point, becoming the 24th Viking in program history to achieve the feat.
North Park walked away with the 78-65 victory over Millikin tonight, and will have some time to prep for their home match up a week from now against the Cardinals of North Central College. Tipoff inside Carlson Gym is set for 4:15 PM CT, following the women's game.
