Box Score

Mankato, Minn. – The Vikings came back from a 42-36 deficit in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Post-Season Semifinals to defeat Minnesota-Morris 84-75 and advance to the UMAC Championships.
 
The Vikings shot 51.6 percent from the field and 47.8 percent from three-point range. BLC only committed eight turnovers and had 23 assists. Minnesota-Morris shot 49.1 percent from the field and was held to a 39.3 three-point shooting percentage. It was the first time in three match-ups that the Vikings outrebounded the Cougars. BLC had 37 boards compared to its opponent’s 30. The only place the Vikings did not excel was at the free-throw shooting a cold 56.3 percent.
 
Gavin Kroehler (Le Sueur, Minn./Le Sueur-Henderson) led the team with 21 points and eight rebounds. Derek Peterson (St. Paul, Minn./Tartan) had 16 points, three assists and three blocks. Alex Weldon (Marion, Iowa/Linmar) wasn’t far behind with 15 points, six rebounds and two steals. Deon Wright (Milwaukee, Wis./Messmer) also scored in double figures with 10 points. Patrick Garvin (Jackson, Minn./Jackson County Central) led the team in assists with nine.
 
With this win the Vikings will host the UMAC Championship at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 25. Bethany will take on the No. 2 seed Northwestern. The winner of the UMAC post-season will automatically qualify for the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament.