DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 20, 2011) - A huge rebounding advantage, particularly on the offensive end, helped propel the North Central College men's basketball team to a victory in the Daytona Beach Shootout on Tuesday, as the Cardinals outmuscled the Bridgewater College (Va.) Eagles, 67-52, at the ICI Center.

North Central (5-5) owned a 40-25 advantage on the glass, grabbing 20 offensive rebounds to score 20 second-chance points. The Cardinals pulled ahead early and never relented, owning at least a 13-point lead throughout the second half. 

The score stood at 5-5 after six minutes of play, and the Cardinals followed with a 8-0 run to pull in front. Owning a 15-9 advantage, North Central got a layup from Aaron Tiknis and three points from Landon Gamble to take its first double-digit lead at 20-9 with 6:33 before halftime. 

The teams traded baskets twice before Kevin GIllespie drilled a three-pointer to provide a 25-13 advantage. The Cardinals led by double figures from then on, and North Central took its biggest lead of the first half at 36-20 when Kyle Pembrook knocked down a jumper on the final possession of the period.

After shooting an even 50 percent (14-28) from the floor in the first 20 minutes, the Cardinals saw their shooting cool in the second half, but their effort on the boards helped preserve a comfortable lead. With a 45-30 edge, North Central got a layup and two free throws from Gillespie and an inside jumper from Gamble in a 48-second span and took its largest lead at 51-30 with 12:23 remaining.

Gamble finished the evening with a game-high 22 points and nine rebounds, posting his highest single-game scoring total since a 22-point outing against Illinois College on Nov. 26. Gillespie and CJ Goldthree each totaled 13 points, while Tiknis finished with nine points and game highs of 11 rebounds and seven assists. 

The Cardinals put together one of their finest defensive efforts of the season, not allowing any Bridgewater player to score in double figures. Ed Reddick came off the bench to lead the Eagles (4-6) with nine points.

North Central is idle until Friday, Dec. 30, when it hosts Manchester College (Ind.) at Gregory Arena. TIpoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.