Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324

Nov. 22, 2025 - A late 7-2 run to cut the Loras College lead to two points, the North Central College men's basketball rally in the fourth quarter wasn't enough as the Duhawks held on for a 73-69 win on Saturday afternoon inside Gregory Arena.

Jumpers from James Bullock Jr. and Tyler Di Silvio put the Cardinals ahead early in the first half, 5-4. The Duhawks retook the lead before back-to-back baskets from Justin Sveiteris put North Central back in front, 18-17. Bullock Jr. buried a three pointer to bring the Cardinals within one, 25-24, with 6:33 left in the opening half. The teams traded points as a successful trip to the free throw line from Alejandro Diaz kept it a one-possession game, 34-32. The Duhawks took a 38-35 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

Ethan Marlowe began the second half with a second-chance point for the Cardinals. A fastbreak layup from Bullock Jr. knotted the contest at 39-39. Loras scored six straight points before a three pointer from Diaz and a layup by Di Silvio brought North Central within one, 45-44.

The Duhawks used an 8-0 run to extend their lead to nine, 53-44, with 12:31 left to play. North Central clawed back into the game as a deep ball from Tyler Swierczek closed the gap to four, 63-59, with 5:28 left in the contest. An old fashioned three-point play from Bullock Jr. put North Central within a possession, 65-62. Free Throws by Diaz with 54-seconds remaining brought the Cardinals within two, 71-69. The Duhawks made two late free throws while holding North Central scoreless to claim a 73-69 victory.

Bullock Jr. led all players with 23 points on the day. He added five rebounds and two blocks. Diaz tallied 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists. As a team, North Central shot 39.7% from the floor and 40% from behind the arc. Loras shot 41.0% with a 33.3% mark from three-point range. Gavin Sarvis led the Duhawks with 17 points and five assists.

The Cardinals hit the road for the first time this season on Tuesday night. North Central visits local rival Benedictine University for the annual Battle of Chicago/Maple Avenue trophy. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. inside the Rice Center.