Game Notes: (WBK) North Park University @ North Central College (1/2/16)

Final Score
NPU 118, NCC 108

Game Summary
It was an up tempo opening frame as the Cardinals (6-6, 0-1) hit a couple threes and led 10-8 early in the quarter. The Vikings (10-2, 1-0) went on a 10-0 run to open up an eight point lead and used several well timed threes and a few and-ones to build a 34-24 lead after ten minutes. The Cardinals pulled back within three early in the quarter but the Vikings went on an 8-0 run to go up 49-38. The Cardinals clawed their way back and tied the game at 58 late in the half, but North Park answered with a three with about six seconds left to go into the half up 61-58. The Cardinals were able to get back within one early in the third, but a 13-2 Viking run turned the tide again, and North Park led 87-80 after three. A North Central three was answered by a 10-0 Viking run that effectively put the game away.

Key Stats

• North Park: 9-17 3PT (52.9%). Clearly, offense wasn't the problem tonight; it was defense, but you can't really fault the Cardinals tonight. North Park took advantage of its open looks, especially in key moments to end every Cardinal threat and pull away for the victory.
• Liz Rehberger (NPU): 14-32 FG (4-10 3PT), 10-14 FT; 42 pts, 9 reb (2 off), 3 ast, 2 blk, 2 stl. I really want to just leave this line here and stop at that. She had a ridiculous game from all over the court, hitting layups, jumpers, threes, you name it. Just an otherworldly performance.
• Mayson Whipple (NCC): 7-16 FG (3-5 3PT), 4-6 FT; 21 pts, 4 reb (3 off), 1 ast, 2 stl. Mayson got hot in the first quarter, scoring 10 points in about two minutes. She drove to the basket effectively and shot well from outside. Not a bad game.

North Central System Watch

• NPU Turnovers: 19. This could be the one red flag. The Vikings took good care of the ball and were great at the press break. The Cardinals managed 10 steals, led by Alliyah Johnson's three.
• NCC 3PT: 16-49 (32.7%). This was one of their better shooting nights, though primarily in the first half. Coach Roof was happy with the shooting performance overall, and I am too.
• NCC Charges Drawn: 3. Anita Sterling drew a couple early, the second of which was close, and then Michaela Reedy drew one after halftime. North Park, for what it's worth, drew like ten. I lost count after a while.

CCIW Scoreboard Watch

• @ Carthage 67 (5-7, 1-0), Millikin 64 (7-5, 0-1)
• Illinois Wesleyan 84 (6-6, 1-1), @ Elmhurst 73 (6-6, 0-1)
• @ Augustana 59 (6-6, 1-0), Wheaton 56 (8-3, 0-1)

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, I just have to tip my cap to Liz Rehberger and company. You rarely see an offer since outburst powered by threes against the Cardinals or a guard-led attack like this. It reminds me of last year's Wheaton game, except closer.

The Cardinals are on the road now for two straight, including a date with Wheaton next weekend before coming back home for Augie on the 13th.