PLATTEVILLE, WI., -- In their first game of the Gabe Miller Classic hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, the Vikings fell to Concordia University (Wisconsin) 95-83 despite shooting nearly 50% from the floor, forcing 21 turnovers, and 37 points from Mike Vuckovic. North Park came out aggressive and traded blows with the Falcons, after falling behind 13-9 early the Vikings leaned on their defense to spark a 12-2 run. Consecutive steals and transition baskets by Vuckovic pushed North Park ahead 21-15, adding to his 15 point first half point total.
The Vikings' defensive pressure was a major factor throughout the game, recording 14 steals and 7 blocks as a unit. Forward Makieth Deng made his presence felt on the defensive end as well, accounting for four of the Vikings' seven blocks, adding nine rebounds, and 7 points as well. Concordia stayed resilient and kept themselves around by getting to the free throw line and being lethal from three. To close out the first half, the Falcons closed on a 7-2 run to take a 45-41 lead heading into the break.
The Falcons started fast and seized control with an 11-1 run to open the second half of play, behind the hot hands of Luke Eggemeyer (25 points), Severin HIlt (17 points), and Casey Verhagen (15 points), and Ethan Ash (13 points). Concordia dominated the glass with a 49-33 advantage over the Vikings, pulling 14 offensive rebounds with Eggemeyer coming down with half of those, while also shooting 50% from behind the arc as a team. Overall, they shot over 51% from the field and assisted on 25 of their 35 made baskets, going blow for blow with a Viking defense that played extremely well.
Vuckovic's 37 points tonight was just one point away from tying his career-high of 38 points which he hit last season against Alma College. He added to his already impressive evening by adding five rebounds, two assists, and nabbed a career-high 7 steals, a total that was half of the Vikings' total and a mark that is good for the fifth most in program history for North Park. Marquis Vance and Jerome Smith Jr. had strong games as well, combining for 21 points, scoring 11 and 10 points respectively. Smith Jr. also posted a team high 5 assists.
North Park falls to 0-2 on the young 2026-27 season and can build on the plenty of good things from tonight's game. The Vikings outscored the Falcons 56-46 in the paint and created 25 points of turnovers, including 21 fast-break points. Their swarming defense, shot blocking ability, and high-paced style of play will be advantages that can cause fits for opposing teams this season.
What's Next?
North Park's next game in the Gabe Miller Classic is tomorrow, Saturday, November 14th at 3pm against Carleton College.
Top Performers
Mike Vuckovic - 37 PTS, 5 REB, 2 AST, 7 STL (career-high),16-19 FG (55%)
Marquis Vance - 11 PTS, 5 REB, 5-7 FG (71%)
Jerome Smith Jr. - 10 PTS, 5 AST, 1 STL
Makieth Deng - 7 PTS, 9 REB, 4 BLK, 3-5 FG (60%)
Ty Wooten - 7 PTS, 2 STL
