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

ANDERSON, Ind. (Dec. 30, 2024) - Denied in its quest for a fifth straight victory, the North Central College men's basketball team endured its first loss in nearly four weeks Monday as the Cardinals were defeated by Anderson University, 89-75, at O.C. Lewis Gymnasium.

The Cardinals (9-3) made 13 of their first 18 shots from the floor and led throughout most of the early going, but were plagued by a season-high 18 turnovers. Anderson turned those miscues into 19 points and pulled away for good with a 19-2 scoring run midway through the second half.

North Central made its bid to take control of the contest soon after play began, as a run of six straight made shots gave the visitors an early 16-5 advantage. The Cardinals led until a 13-2 Anderson run finished with a jumper by Nolan Swan that gave the Ravens (8-3) a 33-32 lead with 3:43 to go in the first half. North Central's Alejandro Diaz scored inside and Swan countered with a pair of free throws before Diaz closed the half with a three-pointer that gave the guests a 37-35 lead at the break.

The Cardinals owned a 49-43 edge with 14:59 to play before missing five of their next six shots as Anderson embarked on the game's decisive run. A stretch that saw the Ravens' Kenney Troutman convert a layup and two three-pointers off three Anderson steals in just 61 seconds quickly swelled the hosts' lead from 52-51 to 60-51. The Ravens led by at least seven points the rest of the way.

Ethan Helwig paced North Central with 19 points and 10 rebounds, posting a double-double for the second time in three outings. Tyler Swierczek totaled 14 points, while Diaz scored 12 and Drew Gaston put up 11. Diaz and Terrance Moncrief each finished with four assists. Troutman made 12 of 19 shots and led all scorers with 32 points for the Ravens, while Tate Ivanyo finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds. The pair made 11 of Anderson's 13 three-point field goals.

The Cardinals resume College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) play on Saturday at Elmhurst University (5-7). Tipoff at R.A. Faganel Hall is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. Click HERE for the full 2024-2025 schedule and live coverage options.

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