KENOSHA, Wis. – The North Park men's basketball team stole an 87-84 road win over the Carthage Firebirds on Wednesday night. The win guarantees a top two finish in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) standings and, therefore, a bye in the CCIW Tournament.

North Park jumped ahead early after a jumper by Jalen Boyd, steal from Marquise Jackson to Jordan Boyd for a pair of layups, and a three pointer by Jalen Boyd put the Vikings up 9-3. They would hold on to the early distance until the 14:30 mark when Antuan Nesbitt converted an and-one layup, tying the game at 13 each.

In the first half, North Park outperformed Carthage from the floor, shooting 17-of-32 (53.1%) compared to the Firebirds' 41.4% (12-of-29) to maintain a lead for three quarters of the first 20 minutes of play. 

HALFTIME: North Park 42, Carthage 35

However, Carthage got hot in the second half. Knocking down five three pointers while shooting 55.9% (19-of-34) from the field.

With a minute to go in the game, following free throws by Jackson and Jalen Boyd, North Park held a two-possession lead at 82-78. The Vikings kept this lead when the Firebirds missed a three pointer and had to foul Jordan Boyd, sending him to the line for a pair of freebies. Boyd would oblige, sinking both to put North Park up by six points – 84-78. 

However, in their next possession Carthage's Fillip Bulatovic buried a three with 22 seconds to go and looked to put the Vikings on the line once more. This time, Davante Robinson would make the free trip, missing the first but converting on the second.

With 18 seconds on the clock, Jordan Boyd stole the Firebirds' inbounds pass but could not convert on the contested layup. Firing the ball down court, Bulatovic connected with Tanner Lamb who hit a fall-away three in the corner with seconds to go.

However, needing to foul once more to gain possession, Carthage sent Jalen Boyd to the line. Boyd would sink both free throws, icing the game 87-84.

FINAL: North Park 87, Carthage 84

Quick Hits:

• Marquise Jackson and Jordan Boyd combine for 44 points with 24 and 20, respectively
  • Boyd secured a double-double, adding 10 boards 
• Davante Robinson (10) and Jalen Boyd (11) also add double figures
  • Robinson a perfect 3-for-3 from deep
• Four steals and three blocks for Jordan in one of the best performances of his career
• Carthage's Antuan Nesbitt with 20 points

What's Next?

North Park (17-5, 10-3 CCIW) continues its quest for CCIW gold this coming Saturday, Feb. 11, at Elmhurst University. Tipoff at R.A. Faganel Hall is set for 4:15 PM CST, following the women's game.