The Cardinals led 40-31 at halftime after outrebounding Milliin 23-11, including nine offensive rebounds. The numerous second chances led to plenty of easy scores for forwards Anthony Simmons (Bolinbrook, Ill./Romeoville) and Dan Walton (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North). Walton had a double-double in the first half alone with 19 points and 10 rebounds. He would finish with 25 points and 13 boards. Simmons had 14 first-half points en route to a game-high 27.
North Central led by as many as 25 in the second half. After Simmons completed a four-point play (three-pointer plus the foul), the Cardinals held a 57-40 lead with 15:30 to play. Just minutes later, Simmons canned another trey for a 63-40 lead that essentially put the game away. Also finishing in double figures for North Central was Ray Vicario (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) with 12 points and Adam Krumtinger (Towanda, Ill./Normal) with 10 points and eight rebounds.
Millikin was led by freshman Drew Gensler's 17 points. Ray Kissing and Matt Nohren added 14 apiece, and Korte Long chipped in 10.
North Central hosts Wheaton College Monday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m.