The Cardinals seized control midway through the first half with an 9-0 run. Dan Walton (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North) drained an open three-pointer from the baseline, followed by a layup from Adam Teising (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central), a putback by Walton and another layup from Anthony Simmons (Bolingbrook, Ill./Romeoville) for a 33-19 lead with eight minutes remaining. Walton concluded the half with an offensive putback of a Ray Vicario (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) three-pointer as the buzzer sounded to give North Central a 52-31 lead at the break.
Walton had 15 points and seven boards in the first half en route to a game-high 21 points and 10 rebounds. Simmonss had 11 first-half points and finished with 20 points and five assists. Vicario totaled 17 points and Teising 14.
Wheaton was led by Jordan Kemper's 14 points and 10 rebounds. John Mohan had 12 points and Andy Wiele 10 points and six boards.
Box Score
North Central hosts North Park University Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m.