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

Jan. 25, 2023 - In a hard-fought contest decided at the free-throw line, the North Central College men's basketball team came out on the short end of a 75-74 decision Wednesday at Gregory Arena against the Augustana College Vikings.

Neither team held more than a two-point advantage the final five minutes and each held multiple opportunities to put the game away in a contest which came down to the final seconds of play.

The Cardinals (10-8, 5-5 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin) led, 40-30, at halftime before Augustana outscored the hosts, 16-4, in the first eight minutes of the second half to pull in front. The Vikings held a 52-49 advantage with 9:53 to play before Ethan Helwig and John Blumeyer hit consecutive three-point shots to nudge North Central ahead once again, 55-52.

Facing a 60-59 deficit, the Cardinals got back-to-back threes from Blumeyer and Shea Cupples to take a 65-60 lead with 5:13 to play. Augustana (6-13, 4-6 CCIW) followed with triples by Anthony Cooper and Tyler Knuth, however, to wrestle the lead back once again. With the score tied at 71-71, Cupples rebounded his own missed shot and converted a layup to give the hosts a two-point advantage with 47 seconds remaining. 

Following a timeout, Augustana got a layup from Matt Hanushewsky, who was fouled and made the free throw to put the visitors up, 74-73, with 25 seconds remaining. The Vikings forced a turnover on North Central's next possession, but a long Augustana inbound pass was intercepted by Brian Johnson, who was fouled on the play. Johnson made the first of two charity shots but missed the second, leaving the score tied at 74-74.

Hanushewsky once again drove the lane and was fouled, missing the first free throw before making the second for the game-winner. 

Matt Helwig led all scorers with 17 points and shared the team lead in rebounding (7) with Mitch Lewis. Cupples put up 16 points, while Blumeyer totaled 13 and Lewis scored 10. Tyler Knuth was Augustana's top scorer with 15 points.

The Cardinals travel to face Millikin University (9-10, 2-8) Saturday. Tipoff at the Griswold Center is scheduled for 4:15 p.m.

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