Chicago, Ill. - The Concordia University Chicago men's basketball team headed to North Park University's campus to go to battle against the Vikings. With a final score of 98-83, the Vikings defeated the Cougars after a tough, competitive game.
Inside the Box Score:
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Darrian Williams (Garland, Texas) led the Cougars with 16 points, seven assists, and two rebounds.
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Aaron Brown (Joliet, Ill.) and AJ Willard (Germantown, Wis.) ended the game with 13 points scored, with Tallis Lowery (Fairview Heights, Ill.) just following that with 12 points earned for the Cougars.
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Ryker Johnson (Fond du Lac. Wis.) had a total of eight points, three assists, and four rebounds.
Here's What Happened
First Half
North Park got off to a quick start, building a lead through their free throws and a steady shooting. In spite of Concordia's attempts, the Vikings maintained their lead throughout the middle of the first half. Brown and Lowery had great offense against the Vikings, helped Concordia stay within striking distance. North Park maintained the lead for the majority of the half, leading 46-38, in spite of the offense.
Second Half
The Cougars kept up their fight after halftime, and throughout the first half of the second stanza, scoring many free throws and layups against North Park. Tommy Zimmer (Steger, Ill.), Willard, and many other players gave Concordia's offense an advantage that helped the Cougars maintain the game's intensity. North Park continued to keep the gap of scoring open, even if Concordia was occasionally able to narrow it down. Cougars made one last attempt to reduce the gap in the closing minutes, but North Park won 98–83 due their huge free throws and three-pointers in the closing minutes.
What's Next
The Cougars will be back at their home court on January 3rd, at 3:15 pm going against Wisconsin Lutheran College. Coverage for all things CUC Men's Basketball can be found at cucougars.com/coverage
