Box Score

Balanced Attack Helps Vikings Earn Victory Over MLC

Nick Sanborn Post-Game Interview
 
MANKATO, Minn. – After an exciting victory for the men's basketball team Friday night against Trinity Bible in a non-conference game, the Vikings were back in action Saturday afternoon against Martin Luther in an Upper Midwest Athletic Conference rivalry game.
 
In front of a big crowd in the Sports and Fitness Center, the Bethany men's basketball team defeated Martin Luther 85-79 in overtime.
 
From the opening tip-off, Bethany and Martin Luther played a very physical, high intensity game. Zach Brandts sparked the offensive attack through the first 20 minutes by scoring 11 points for the Vikings. Freshman Austin Bauer made his first collegiate start of the season and recorded seven first half points.
 
For Martin Luther, Todd Brassow led all scorers with 15 first half points.
 
In the first half, Bethany and Martin Luther played an even contest.  The Vikings shot 44.8% (13-29) compared to 43.8% (14-32) from the Knights. The Vikings led 39-37 entering the second half. Both teams shot 83.3% from the free-throw line.
 
The Knights went on an 8-2 run to open up the second half of play before the Vikings called a timeout to regroup.Brandyn Frelix scored the next six points to keep the Vikings within two of the Knights six minutes into play.
 
Midway into the second half, Bethany trailed 55-53 against the Knights. The Vikings took their first lead of the half with 9:20 left when Neil Eichten drained a three from the top of the key to bring the Vikings student section to their feet.
 
After the two squads traded baskets, Bethany held a one point advantage over Martin Luther with five minutes left in regulation. Nate Chadderdon led the team in rebounds this afternoon to give the Vikings an advantage down the stretch. The sophomore center collected 19 rebounds in the efforts over MLC.
 
With 1:00 remaining in the conference showdown, the score was interlocked at 74. The Vikings turned the ball over to give the Knights the last opportunity with 12.4 seconds on the clock. Martin Luther missed two three-point attempts to send the game into the extra frame.
 
In overtime, Bethany struck first with a pair of free throws from Nick Sanborn who ended the game with 12 points and four rebounds. Another bucket by Bauer extended the Vikings lead to four before the Knights answered with a two pointer of their own. Sanborn showed his senior leadership throughout the overtime period when he connected on another highly contested layup to help extend the Vikings lead to four with two minutes remaining.
 
The Vikings lead 81-76 when Martin Luther began fouling the Vikings to send them to the line. Frelix connected on a pair of free throws with 35 seconds left to lead 83-76 before the Knights answered with a three-pointer to cut the lead to four with 30 seconds left. Bethany sealed the conference victory by capitalizing on 71.1% (27-38) of their free throws on the afternoon.
 
Frelix ended the contest with 25 points and 13 rebounds, similar to his performance last night in the victory over Trinity Bible. Bauer and Brandts finished the conference rivalry game with 13 points apiece. Chadderdon also contributed to the offense, scoring 10 points.
 
Looking at the numbers, both teams shot 40% from the field while the Knights outshot the Vikings from behind the arc. Todd Brassow led all scorers on the afternoon with 31 total points for MLC.
 
The men's basketball team 3-6 (2-1 in UMAC) will resume play Thursday, December 17^th at home against Buena Vista in a non-conference game. Game time is schedule for 7 p.m. with the women's basketball team playing at 5 p.m.