The Cardinals' 10-1 record is the best nonconference record the team has posted in its entire history. On Friday, the team got a big boost from its front line of Dan Walton (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North), Anthony Simmons (Bolingbrook, Ill./Romeoville) and Adam Krumtinger (Towanda, Ill./Normal Community). Walton finished with 21 points, Krumtinger 17 and Simmons 15.
North Central led 38-31 at halftime and maintained control throughout the second half. The Cardinals held a 58-49 lead with nine minutes remaining after a Mike Wilson (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central) three-pointer. Krumtinger extended the advantage to 67-53 after two free throws with four minutes remaining.
In the first half, North Central took an 18-12 lead with 13 minutes to go on a turnaround jumper from Walton and a spin move inside from Simmons. With five minutes to go in the half, the Cardinals extended the lead to 32-22 after back-to-back three-pointers from Walton and Patrick Flanigan (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South). Walton had 12 first-half points.