North Park men’s basketball falls to SIUE in exhibition game

The North Park University men’s basketball team fell to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougars 92-67 in their second exhibition game against a Division I team on Friday night.

The Vikings had a strong first half, trailing by just four points at halftime. Colten VanLandingham led North Park with up to 12 points in the first half.

The Cougar defense took advantage of North Park’s turnovers, converting them into easy points.

VanLandingham did not score a point in the second half, but senior guard Kellen Gardner, who came off the bench, contributed eight points and senior center Phil Holmes Jr.

Scoring.

North Park shot 38.5 percent from the field, 30.8 percent from three-point range and 65.4 percent from the free throw line.
SIUE shot 47.8 percent from the field, 36.4 percent from three-point range and 76.9 percent from the free throw line.
Van Landingham led North Park by 12 points.
Gardner had eight points and Holmes Jr. had six points and seven rebounds.
Game Analysis.

The Vikings played well in the first half, but they couldn’t keep pace with SIUE in the second half. The Cougar defense made it difficult for North Park, but they were able to take advantage of North Park’s turnovers.

Looking Ahead.

The Vikings will begin the regular season on Nov. 11 against the University of Chicago.