ASHLAND, Wis. – In this week's Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Game of the Week, the Bethany Lutheran men's basketball team traveled to Northland College to face the Lumberjacks. In a matchup that featured two teams fighting of their position in the postseason tournament, it was the Vikings who secured the 90-87 victory over NC in overtime. 
 
With the win, the Vikings are better positioned for a higher seed in the tournament going into the final slate of games next weekend at home. Currently the Vikings hold a 10-4 conference record and 14-8 regular season mark while the Lumberjacks fall to 9-6 in UMAC play and 12-11 overall.
 
Notes Prior to Tip-off:
Heading into the weekend, Northland rides a three-game winning streak thanks to a thrilling upset of Northwestern on the road last Friday, while Bethany Lutheran has won five of its last six games with the lone loss coming to the University of Minnesota Morris – another squad that could see the impact of Friday's game on its postseason fate. The Vikings also scored a much-needed upset of St.Scholastica Saturday to remain in a position to challenge for the postseason title.
 
Though both teams have been playing well, it's hard to overlook the decisive 93-74 decision the Vikings had over the Lumberjacks in their first meeting this season. Up just five points at the half, the Vikings opened up the game around the mid-point of the second half and rode the hot hand of reigning UMAC Player of the Week Brandyn Frelix who poured in 20 points.  
 
HIGHLIGHTS FOR BLC:
In the UMAC playoff clinching game, six different Vikings reached double figures in the victory over Northland. Leading the way was junior Neil Eichten (Wabasso, Minn.) who scored 19 points in 34 minutes of action. Junior Brady Rose (Le Sueur, Minn.) was 6-6 from the free throw line (making two in the final five second of play) to total 16 points. Senior Brandyn Frelix (Minneapolis, Minn.) added 13 points while Austin Bauer (Caledonia, Minn.), Jarred Merchant (Kimball, Minn.), and Kyle Kubesh (Buffalo, Minn.) each had 10 points.
 
In 40 minutes of game play, the Vikings shot 50.8% (31-61) from the field while making 95.5% (21-22) from the charity strip. The largest lead for BLC was a slim six points, when leading with 01:53 remaining in regulation. The Viking also held the rebound advantage, 43-32.
 
UP NEXT:
The Vikings will play a non-conference game on Saturday afternoon in Hancock, Michigan against Finlandia University. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.

To stay current with Vikings athletics this season, 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.