MANKATO, Minn. – To begin the New Year, the Bethany Lutheran men's basketball team defeated Johnson University to conclude their trip to Florida. On Friday night, the Vikings returned home to face the Finlandia University Lions in their first home game of 2017. The Vikings used a total team effort to defeat the Lions 96-61.
 
Currently the Bethany Lutheran men's basketball team holds a 7-6 record overall and 3-2 record in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The BLC Vikings returned to their home floor firing on all cylinders, as they shot 45.7% (16-35) from the field in the first half of play.
• Bethany drained six three-pointers in the first 20 minutes compared to the Lions one.
• The Vikings took a 41-30 lead into halftime.
• In the second half, the Vikings continue their hot hand by shooting 57.1% (20-35).
• BLC finished with a three-point percentage of 53.8% (14-26).
• As a team, the Vikings ended with 20 team assists.
• BLC out-rebounded the Lions 47-35.
• Five different Vikings reached double-figures on the offensive end of the court.

 
HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE VIKINGS:

• Senior Brandyn Frelix (Minneapolis, Minn.) finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds to record his fifth double-double of the season.
• Junior Neil Eichten (Wabasso, Minn.) scored 14 points, connecting on four three's in 24 minutes of action.
• Jarred Merchant (Kimball, Minn.) also added 14 points to go along with four rebounds.
• Junior Bradley Rose (Le Sueur, Minn.) and sophomore Blake Lindstrom (Hanley Falls, Minn.) each had 12 points. They combined for six three-pointers.
• Brady Rose (Le Sueur, Minn.) was one point shy of a double-double. The junior finished with nine points and 10 rebounds.

 
UP NEXT:
The Bethany Lutheran men's basketball team will resume Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play on Saturday afternoon against Northland College. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. from the Sports and Fitness Center.  
 
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.