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

AURORA, Ill. (Nov. 15, 2022) - In a contest which came down to the final possession more than once, the North Central College men's basketball team was upended in overtime Tuesday at Aurora University, 81-79.

The Cardinals (2-1) granted themselves an opportunity at the final basket of regulation, as Terrance Moncrief stole the ball with just 13 seconds left, but the buzzer sounded with the teams tied at 69-69 and bound for overtime.

Each team took its best shot at the other in the extra session. Nick Smoldt nudged the Cardinals in front with a layup with 3:58 to play, though a breakaway dunk by Noah Butler gave Aurora (1-1) the lead back at 74-73.

Just 24 seconds later, Matt Helwig knocked down a three-pointer to give North Central a two-point advantage. The Spartans' JT Daniels scored on a cutback on the other end to level the score at 76-76 with 2:03 on the clock.

Aurora got a free throw from Justin Wilson and an inside basket by Butler to take a 79-76 lead before Smoldt scored from long range to force a 79-79 tie wit under a minute left. The Spartans turned the ball over, giving North Central a final opportunity for a game winner. The Cardinals' effort was off the mark, and Aurora's Julian Gatewood collected the rebound before driving to the other end and scoring in the lane with just three seconds left.

Helwig finished with a game- and season-high 31 points along with eight rebounds. Ethan Helwig scored 20 points and Shea Cupples finished with 10. Brian Johnson collected 12 rebounds and shared the team lead in assists (4) with Cupples.

The Cardinals travel to face the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (3-0) Saturday. Tipoff at Kachel Fieldhouse is scheduled for 5 p.m.

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