A trio of Cardinals had solid games Wednesday night, including junior Mike Wilson (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central) with 20 points, sophomore Anthony Simmons (Bolingbrook, Ill./Romeoville) with 20 points and 10 rebounds, and sophomore Daniel Walton (Carol Stream/ Glenbard North) with 13 points. Simmons' point total was a season high, while Wilson hit three of four from behind the arc.
The Cardinals gained momentum early, rattling off eight unanswered points in the opening minutes. Augustana battled back, even taking a one-point lead in the period. But a three-pointer by junior Ray Vicario (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) with 11:23 to play gave North Central the lead, 19-14, and the team never looked back.
Wilson and Simmons led the way offensively in the first period. Wilson had 10 points before the break, including three-of-four shooting from the field, while Simmons poured in 12. Simmons' shot in the paint as the halftime buzzer sounded extended the Cardinal lead, 44-28.
The Vikings came out strong after the break with four quick points. North Central then went on a 5-0 run, aided by a Patrick Flanigan (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) wide-open three. The long-range bucket gave the Cards their largest lead of the night at 17.
But once again Augie mounted a comeback, leaving North Central to nurse its double digit lead. The Vikings cut the deficit to 10 midway through the period, and then climed to within six on a three by Pat Brusveen with 9:01 on the clock.
Scrappy defense and solid free throw shooting helped the Cardinals regain control game in the closing minutes, leading the way for a double-digit win.
Jay McAdams-Thornton led the Augustana scoring with 26 points. Shaun Rose had 11.