The Cardinals got their revenge against Wheaton for spoiling their senior night as they cruised to a 94-87 victory on Friday in the CCIW tournament semi-finals. They have another big test Saturday as they face No. 3 Augustana for the championship.
This is the third straight title game for the Cardinals and a win will guarantee a spot in the NCAA tournament. They have a 1-1 record when facing Augustana this season and both teams have traded blows in the title game for the last few years as well with some thrilling match-ups.
In their last meeting this season, North Central pulled off the upset with a 68-63 victory over Augustana at home which gave them their first win over a top-ranked team since 2006. Blaise Meredith, ‘21, and Matt Cappelletti, ‘20, led the way for the Cardinals in that game with 18 points apiece and will look to do the same again in the championship.
The result was not the same when North Central was on the road, however, as they were toppled 76-59. The title game will be at Augustana, so there is no neutral ground for the Cardinals.
This championship game will be a rematch from 2018. North Central will look for a better result as they lost a heartbreaker 77-74 but still managed to squeak in the NCAA tournament.
The championship game will be tonight at 7 in Augustana at the Roy J. Carver Center. The winner will be crowned the CCIW tournament champion with an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament.
