CHICAGO – North Park University prolific shooting from three-point range – it scored on 10-of-21 attempts from long distance – forced Albion College to defend the perimeter shooters and the big players down low. Albion was unable to defend both areas and it suffered a 71-66 loss to the Vikings Tuesday in the first of two games in the Chicago area.

Albion, 5-6 overall, will attempt to salvage a split of its games in the Windy City Wednesday night when it squares off against Elmhurst College at 7:30.

North Park was efficient on offense as it shot 54 percent (26-of-48) for the game and committed just 11 turnovers.

Kendall Greer's three-point basket gave North Park its largest lead of the first half at 31-24. Kolin Kazen sank a pair of free throws and hit from outside as Albion drew within two, 31-29, at the half.

Albion went on an 8-0 run early in the second half to open a 41-34 lead. Mike Smith sank a pair of free throws, Anthony Wash drilled a three-point shot, Lawrence Ridgell scored a layup, and Leonard Wernette-Leff tacked on a free throw.

North Park recovered by shooting from the outside. The Vikings' next four baskets were all from three-point range as Reggie McGee hit twice, and Greer and Roshawn Russell each contributed from long distance.

With the score tied at 54, North Park went inside for two baskets from Mark Holmes and another by Emanuel Crosby. The Vikings led by at least four the rest of the way.

Crosby led four North Park starters in double figures with 18 points. Russell finished with 15 points and four assists. Holmes and McGee contributed 13 and 11, respectively. The Vikings received bench support in the form of Greer's 11 points.

Kazen led all players with 19 points. Ridgell and Carter Elliott contributed 13 and 11, respectively. It was Elliott's first career double-figure scoring game.