WHEATON, Ill. -- North Park opened Saturday's game at Wheaton strong, playing the host Thunder closely through the first half in a defensive knotting. However, the Thunder took control in the second half to beat the Vikings, 55-39.
The Vikings matched Wheaton (7-10, 3-5 CCIW) throughout the first quarter, holding the Thunder to low percentages from the field and forcing several empty possessions. Junior forward Caroline Long sparked the early momentum with a driving layup and a mid-range jumper, helping North Park (5-13, 1-8 CCIW) build an 8-5 lead late in the first quarter.
North Park maintained its competitive start in the second quarter. A three-pointer from junior guard Teresa Morrissey briefly put the Vikings ahead 13-12, and Long added four consecutive free throws to give NPU a 17-14 advantage with just under five minutes left in the half. Wheaton closed the quarter strong, taking a 19-17 lead into halftime after an and-one bucket for Kate Oliver, but North Park's defensive presence and rebounding kept the game tight through the opening 20 minutes.
Wheaton's decisive push came in the third quarter, where a 14-0 surge created separation. The Vikings answered in the fourth with a 7-0 run featuring baskets from freshman guard Ava Couture, Long, and junior guard Aliyah Hershberger, but the margin remained too large to overcome.
Top Performers North Park
Top Performers — Wheaton
- Jenna Hunter — 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals
- Kate Oliver — 18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
- Grace Kizer — 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks
What's Next?
North Park heads to Augustana next Wednesday, January 29, for a game in Rock Island. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM CT.
