Mankato, Minn.  – The Bethany men's basketball team (3-5) opened UMAC play with a decisive victory over Northwestern (1-5) on Wednesday evening by a score of 97-72.
 
The Vikings were hot all night from three. As a team, they shot 13-22 (59.1%) including 4-5 from junior Blake Lindstrom. It didn't take long before the Vikings caught fire, gaining a 14-4 lead right out of the gate. Later in the first half the Eagles would go on a 10-2 run, but Bethany quickly regained control and ended the half leading 55-37. Brady Rose had 16 first-half points for the Vikings and Blake Lindstrom had 11 points. As a team, the Vikings had 16 assists on 22 made shots in the first 20 minutes.
 
In the second half, the Eagles never managed to get back in the game as they were continually down by 18, unable to make a run. The Vikings kept the Eagles away and stretched their lead to win by a final score of 97-72.
 
Sophomore Tanner Youngberg scored 16 points to lead a young Eagles team, featuring only two seniors.
 
Senior Brady Rose stepped up to the occasion today shooting 8-12 overall from the field for 21 points. Freshman Jake Dale scored 18 points, shooting 9-12 from the field. Neil Eichten had a great game for the Vikings with 10 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. The Vikings shot 57.1% from the floor as a team and 59.1% (13-22) from three-point range. The Vikings also outrebounded the Eagles 37-27.

Click the picture above to hear a post game interview with Coach Matt Fletcher and Brady Rose.
 
Up Next: The Vikings travel to Duluth to play St. Scholastica on Saturday, Dec. 9 starting at 3 PM. The Saints were the preseason favorite to win the UMAC this year with the Vikings finishing one point behind in second.
 
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MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dan DeWitt at 507-344-7856 or email ddewitt@blc.edu