NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- North Park University Women's Basketball pushed conference contender North Central to the brink on Saturday afternoon but fell, 67-64. 

Despite the narrow defeat, the Vikings delivered one of their most complete performances of the season. After trailing early, North Park stormed back with a dominant third quarter, holding North Central scoreless for nearly four minutes and limiting the Cardinals to just 11 points in the frame. The Vikings' defensive pressure and rebounding presence fueled a 9-point lead, their largest of the game, midway through the period.

Junior forward Caroline Long anchored North Park's interior attack and defensive presence, finishing with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. Her impact was felt most in the second half, where she scored eight points in the third quarter alone, including a pair of key baskets that extended the Vikings' lead. 

Off the bench, senior guard Shay Bowen provided a spark that changed the game's tempo. In just 13 minutes of action, Bowen tallied 10 points on 3-of-4 shooting, adding three assists and three rebounds. Her aggressive cuts to the hoop and clutch free throws in the second quarter helped North Park erase an early deficit and seize momentum heading into halftime with a 33-32 lead.

The Vikings shot an impressive 53.1% from the field, including a scorching 85.7% in the fourth quarter, and outscored North Central 36-28 in the paint. North Park's defensive effort was equally notable, forcing 13 turnovers, many of those in the second half, and holding the Cardinals to just 33.9% shooting overall.

While North Central rallied late behind free throws and timely plays, North Park continued to fight, with Long and Bowen contributing in critical moments down the stretch. An unfortunate flagrant one foul was called on North Park late in the fourth, swinging the momentum heavily in the Cardinals' favor, and allowing the host to prevail.

North Park (4-8, 0-3 CCIW) returns to action on Wednesday, January 7, continuing a long stretch of road games against Carthage College.