Wabash opened with a 9-0 run and finished the game by outscoring the Vikings 27-13 in the final nine minutes of the contest, but could not get the lead any closer than eight.
The Little Giants may have played their best half of offense this season, but don't look for that to make the loss go down any easier.
"We're not looking for moral victories," said coach Mac Petty. "What we are looking for is 40 minutes of execution on the basketball floor and our bench to come through for us. Our substitutes have to help us when they go into the game, and they have to support the players on the floor when their not in the game."
Trailing 56-33 with nine minutes remaining, junior Pleas Ferguson (Indianapolis, IN/Arsenal Tech) and sophomore Joe DesJean (Indianapolis, IN/Perry Meridian)took over the scoring duties for Wabash. Ferguson, who had only three points at halftime, scored 15 points in the Little Giant's run to cut into the Vikings lead. Ferguson finished with 22 to lead Wabash in scoring. DesJean, while held under his season average of 21 points a game by scoring only nine against the Vikings, kept North Park off the boards in the final segment of the game. DesJean led Wabash with 14 rebounds.
Freshman Matt Storm (Anderson, IN/Lapel) continued with his good outside game with a 12-point effort. Storm hit two three-pointers, including one to open the second half in an attempt to cut into the 34-18 North Park halftime lead.
Turnovers and offensive rebounds continued to haunt the Little Giants as the Vikings had 13 second chance points from 16 offensive rebounds. Wabash committed 25 turnovers that led to 29 North Park points.
The Little Giants (0-5, 0-1) will play Blackburn College in the second game of the Pete Thorn Invitational this Friday. The Tournament opens with Huntington playing Marian in the first game at 6 p.m. at Chadwick Court.