Box Score Box Score

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - The Elmhurst College men's basketball team couldn't overcome a red-hot shooting performance by North Central College, falling to the Cardinals 70-56 in Naperville.

Elmhurst (7-7, 1-2 CCIW) wilted under a barrage of three-pointers from North Central (9-5, 3-0 CCIW) in the opening half, as the Cardinals used a 28-7 run over the final 10 minutes of the half to take a 39-21 lead at the break. North Central shot 57.7 percent (15-of-26) from the floor in the opening of half and splashed home six three-pointers in the opening half.

The Cardinals opened up a commanding 25-point lead in the second half before Elmhurst used a late run to pull to within 13 points with four minutes to play.

Elmhurst finished the contest shooting 42.2 percent (19-of-45) from the floor, including 30.8 percent (4-of-13) from downtown. The Cardinals shot over 50.0 percent (54.2) from the floor, hitting 26-of-48 shots. North Central shot 47.4 percent (9-of-19) from downtown.

Four players reached double figures in scoring for the Bluejays. Nick Sanford scored a career-high 18 points and pulled down six rebounds to pace the Bluejays in the loss. James Robertson and Zack Boyd scored 11 points apiece while Jerome Robinson finished with 10 points.

All five of North Central's starters reached double figures in a balanced scoring attack. Vince Kmiec and Aaron Tiknis scored 14 apiece to lead the Cardinals. Tiknis added a game-high seven rebounds and eight assists while shooting 4-of-4 from three-point range. Kevin Gillespie finished with 13 points and five assists while Landon Gamble also scored 13. Derek Raridon added 10 points and five assists for the Cardinals.

Elmhurst will look to snap its two-game slide when the Bluejays host Augustana College on Saturday, January 14.