Men's Basketball loses to Carthage

CHICAGO, IL (February 17, 2010) – The North Park men’s basketball team fell 61-55 to host Carthage College in College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin action in Kenosha, Wisconsin Wednesday night.

North Park nearly overcame a 12-point halftime deficit as it closed within 58-53 on a lay-up from junior Jorge Gonzalez with 34 seconds remaining in the contest, but Carthage knocked down four free throws down the stretch to earn its 11th CCIW victory. Gonzalez converted on a pair of free throws in the final five seconds to decide the final verdict.

The Vikings started the game strong though as they jumped out to a 5-0 lead and later a 14-6 advantage after a three-pointer from junior Shaun Collins, but Carthage responded with a quick 11-0 scoring run to pull ahead 17-14 at the 9:34 mark. North Park tied it on its ensuing possession on a three-pointer from senior Nick Williams, but again the Red Men had an answer as they finished the half with an 18-6 run to hold a 35-23 lead at halftime.

Sophmore Emanuel Crosby finished with a team-high 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting, while Gonzalez added his first ever double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. Collins was the only other Viking in double figure-scoring with 12 points. Steve Djurkovic led Carthage with a game-high 26 points.

North Park (12-12, 6-7) finishes the 2009-10 season Saturday night against Illinois Wesleyan, as part of a doubleheader with the women’s basketball team, at 7:30 p.m.

Box Score

Contact: Kevin Shepke, Sports Information