Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
LA VERNE, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2023) - Playing with poise in a game filled with physical play, the North Central College men's basketball team defeated the homestanding University of La Verne, 97-87, Saturday to secure a split of the Cardinals' two season-opening games in southern California.
In a game which featured 55 total fouls, North Central operated at a high level on offense throughout. The Cardinals shot 56.9 percent (29 of 51) from the floor and connected on 30 of 40 free throws (75.0 percent). The visitors shot 63.6 percent (14 of 22) from the field and made 24 of 34 charity shots after taking a 43-40 lead into halftime, securing the first victory for first-year head coach Vince Kmiec '14/M '17.
Much as they did in Thursday's season opener at California Lutheran University, the Cardinals held a big lead early, as an 8-0 run including three-pointers by Ethan Helwig and John Blumeyer put the visitors ahead, 13-4, after five minutes of play. A 7-0 surge comprised of an inside basket by Erikas Gurskas, a three-point play by Ken Thomas and two free throws from Drew Gaston gave North Central its largest lead of the half at 24-12 with 10:54 on the clock.
The Leopards (0-1) scored the game's next 11 points over a span of just more than three minutes to leave the score at 24-23, then took their first lead at 28-26 following a pair of free throws by Carlos Bedolla. The score was tied four times late in the first half, the last of which came at 40-40, before Nick Smoldt's three-pointer sent the Cardinals into halftime with a 43-40 advantage.
Making five of its first seven shots in the second half, La Verne took a 52-49 lead with 16:30 to play before Smoldt tied the score at 52-52 with a three-point play on the next trip down the floor. The play ignited an 18-1 run which spanned nearly four minutes and provided North Central a 67-53 lead with 12:30 remaining. The visitors led by at least seven points from then on. Smoldt and Blumeyer each scored six points in the rally.
Blumeyer led all scorers with 24 points, making 12 of 14 free throws, while Brian Johnson totaled 18 points and Smoldt totaled 17 points and a team-best six rebounds off the bench.
The Cardinals (1-1) host Aurora University (1-1) Wednesday in their home opener at Gregory Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Click HERE for the full 2023-2024 schedule and live coverage options.
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