Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324
NAPERVILLE, Ill. (Jan. 17, 2024) - Improving to 4-4 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin, the North Central College women's basketball team earned a 75-66 win over North Park University on Wednesday night behind a career-high 24 points from
Megan McClure.
After Jocelyn Trotter scored the game's first basket, Grace Kieffer scored five straight points to give the Cardinals a 7-2 edge early on. McClure scored the next four points for North Central, but the Vikings went on an 8-0 run to take a 16-5 lead. A Trotter layup tied the game back up at 16 before McClure scored in the final North Central possession of the opening quarter to claim an 18-16 advantage after 10 minutes.
North Central began the second quarter on a 7-0 run over the first five minutes of action. The teams traded baskets until Elle Sutter made a driving layup and McClure closed out the half with a jumper to put the Cardinals ahead, 37-30.
Sutter and McClure scored the first four points of the second half to extend the North Central lead to double-digits, 41-30. A quick 6-0 run for the Cardinals gave them a 54-38 lead with 3:15 to play in the third quarter. The Vikings closed out the quarter strong as North Central's margin shrunk to 10, 59-49 with 10 minutes left.
North Park converted on three straight three-pointers to open the quarter on a 9-2 run before Sutter sparked a 7-0 run from the Cardinals to regain the double-digit lead. Megan Duffy, McClure and Trotter hit clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the victory for North Central.
McClure scored her career-high 24 points with five rebounds and two steals. Sutter tallied 22 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, three steals, and two assists. Trotter posted her third double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Every starter had at least two steals and an assist on the night. Victoria Perry led the Vikings with 20 points.
The Cardinals host Wheaton on Saturday as they look to avenge a 70-63 loss suffered on Dec. 2. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. inside Gregory Arena.
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