NAPERVILLE, Ill. – The Augustana Vikings men's basketball team battled the North Central Cardinals on the road Wednesday night, cutting the deficit to two late in the first half and making a late push before falling 83-76.

The Vikings matched North Central early, settling in behind strong rebounding and defensive effort. Jake Willems got Augustana on the board from beyond the arc, and Dom Rhoden followed with a three-pointer of his own as the teams traded possessions through the opening minutes.

North Central used a mid-half run to take the lead, but Augustana fought back. Ray Maurchie finished inside off an Eli Aldana assist, and Ben Jurzak added a layup to keep the Vikings within reach. Later in the half, Cam Atkinson knocked down back-to-back jumpers, and Willems connected from deep to keep Augustana close.

Augustana continued to respond late in the half, with Andre Klaver scoring on consecutive possessions and Aldana converting at the line. Klaver then buried a three-pointer in the final seconds, bringing the Vikings within 34-32 at halftime.

North Central extended its lead early in the second half, but Augustana continued to compete on both ends. Rhoden knocked down a three and attacked the rim, while Marieon Anderson added key baskets to keep the Vikings in the mix. Willems connected from three midway through the half, and Klaver added finishes inside as Augustana worked to cut into the deficit.

The Vikings made a final push in the closing minutes. Rhoden came up with a steal that led to a basket, and Willems followed with a strong finish at the rim. Klaver added another late basket to nudge the Vikings closer, but North Central converted at the free-throw line in the final seconds to lock up the win.

Rhoden led the Vikings with 17 points, shooting 6-of-10 from the floor and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc while adding three steals. Willems recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, knocking down three three-pointers. Klaver added 13 points and four assists, while Anderson finished with eight points. Maurchie contributed six rebounds and two blocks.

The Vikings slip to 10-14 overall and 5-10 in CCIW play. Augustana returns home for the regular season finale on Saturday, Feb. 21 inside the Roy J. Carver Center, when they host Illinois Wesleyan. Opening tip is scheduled for 6 p.m.