Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

Box Score

CHICAGO (Jan. 25, 2021) - Building on the positive momentum gained after a strong finish in its season opener, the North Central College men's basketball team recorded a second win over North Park University in three days Monday, pulling away early in an 83-60 rout of the Vikings at the North Park Gymnasium.

The Cardinals (2-0) connected on their first four field-goal attempts and outscored the hosts, 15-6, over the first five minutes of play. Midway through the opening period, Blaise Meredith scored seven unanswered points in a 70-second span as part of a 12-1 rally that extended the lead to 31-16 with 7:14 on the clock. North Central scored the final eight points of the half, including two three-pointers from Barak Diehl, to take a commanding 52-28 advantage into the break.

North Central shot 65.2 percent (15 of 23) from the floor in the opening 20 minutes and was not challenged throughout the second half, leading by as many as 36 points late in the contest. 

Meredith led all scorers with 21 points, and his 11 rebounds and five assists tied him with Shea Cupples for team-high honors in both categories. Matt Helwig and Michael Pollack scored 15 points each for the Cardinals, Jordan Boyd was the Vikings' top scorer with 16 points.
 
The Cardinals will host Augustana College (0-1) on Thursday. Tipoff at Gregory Arena is set for 7:00 p.m. Click HERE for live coverage options.

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