Box Score

Mankato, Minn.- The Bethany Lutheran men’s basketball team took a tough loss to Northwestern 66-61. With the loss the Vikings were knocked out the top two seeds in UMAC playoffs, which means they will not be able to host a first round playoff game.

The Vikings played a strong first half going into half time down by only two, however the Eagles came out hot in the second half and built a lead of 11 points. The Vikings were unable to gain the lead in the second half, but did tie the game with just under five minutes to play. Bethany’s bench outscored Northwestern’s 23 to 11.

Alex Weldon (Cedar Rapids, Minn./ LinMar) led the Vikings coming off of the bench with 18 points, all of which coming from behind the arc. Trevor Bartelt (Waldorf, Minn./ Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton) led the team grabbing 10 rebounds. Derek Peterson (Oakdale, Minn./ Tartan) contributed an all-around game with six points, six assists and seven rebounds.

Bethany will finish the regular season on Saturday, when they play host to Crown. The Vikings beat Crown earlier in the year 97-79. Bethany is now 11-13 overall and 8-5 in conference play. If the Vikings beat Crown on Saturday they will receive the three seed and will travel to Minnesota-Morris for the first round of playoffs.