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

Nov. 15, 2023 - Despite opening the game with a double-digit lead for the third straight contest, the North Central College men's basketball team dropped to 1-2 on the season Wednesday as Aurora University pulled away for a 69-57 victory over the Cardinals at Gregory Arena.

North Central (1-2) outscored the Spartans, 17-6, in the first five minutes of play as Ethan Helwig converted a three-point play and Brian Johnson knocked down two three-pointers in a span of 76 seconds. The hosts stayed in front until a 12-0 Aurora scoring run, including eight points in 33 seconds, gave the visitors a 27-23 advantage with 5;34 left in the first half. Johnson sank a jumper to break up the rally, though the Spartans wound up heading into halftime with a 33-27 advantage.

Aurora made 5 of 6 shots, including three three-pointers, in the first four minutes of the second half as it outscored the Cardinals, 13-2, in the first four minutes of the second half and increased its lead to 46-29. North Central closed the gap to 10 points at 63-53 on Sean Molloy's fast-break layup with 3:53 to play, but were able to get no closer.

Ken Thomas made 6 of 7 shots from the floor and led the Cardinals in scoring with 15 points, while Johnson scored 11 and Helwig finished with 10 points and a team-best six rebounds. Aurora (2-1) got 17 points from Noah Butler, 15 from Josh Holmes and 13 from Michael Osborne as it shot 60 percent (12 of 20) from the floor in the second half and 52.9 percent (27 of 51) for the game.

The Cardinals host Anderson University (2-0) Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Click HERE for the full 2023-2024 schedule and live coverage options.

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