Photo Credit: Gabby Baker

MANKATO, Minn. – The Bethany Lutheran men's basketball team began the home portion of their 2016-17 schedule on Friday night against Maranatha Baptist. The Vikings defeated the Sabercats 92-62 to earn the first victory of the young season. The Vikings are now 1-1 while the Sabercats fall to 0-2.
 
Bethany used a balanced scoring attack to defeat Maranatha Baptist as five players reached double digits. Senior Brandyn Frelix (Minneapolis, Minn.) led the Vikings with 25 points and 12 rebounds to record his first double-double of the season. Junior Neil Eichten (Wabasso, Minn.) started at guard for Bethany, recording 14 points while Brady Rose (Le Sueur, Minn.) and Bradley Rose (Le Sueur, Minn.) each scored 12 points. Sophomore Jarred Merchant (Kimball, Minn.) collected 10 points to round out the double-digit scoring for the Vikings.
 
Coach Matt Fletcher's Vikings finished the 40 minute contest shooting 42.3% (30-71) while connecting on 40% (12-30) from the three point arc. Bethany also scored 20 points off the Sabercats turnovers.
 
Congratulations to Matt Fletcher on his first collegiate win as a Head Coach.
 
Up Next:
The men's basketball team will next play on Tuesday, November 22^nd against the Wartburg Knights at 7 p.m. in the Sports and Fitness Center. After finishing tied for second place in regular-season Iowa Conference play and taking the runner-up spot in the IIAC Tournament last season, Wartburg was picked to finish second in this year's IIAC preseason poll.
 
To stay current with Vikings athletics, continue to visit www.blcvikings.com and follow @BLCvikings on Twitter. MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Lucas Herd at 507-344-7856 or email lucas.herd@blc.edu.