MANKATO, Minn. – After clinching the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Postseason Tournament last weekend for the first time since the 2012-13 season, the Bethany Lutheran men's basketball team returned to their home floor for the final two conference games of the regular season. On Friday night, Head Coach Matt Fletcher and the Vikings defeated the Rams 98-86 to earn their 11^th conference win of the season.
 
Overall, BLC is now 16-8 on the season and 11-4 in UMAC action while North Central falls to 8-14 and 4-11.
 
Brady Rose (Le Sueur, Minn.) set a new career high in a Vikings jersey tonight. The forward finished with 25 points and eight rebounds in 30 minutes of action. The junior was 5-9 from 3FG. Senior Brandyn Frelix (Minneapolis, Minn.) added 17 points and seven rebounds while sophomore Jarred Merchant (Kimball, Minn.) contributed with 13 points.
 
As an entire team, the Vikings shot 46.4 percent (32-for-69) from the field and 37.9 percent (11-for-29) from the outside. The Rams committed 15 turnovers compared to the Vikings 11. BLC scored 36 points in the paint and 28 points off the bench. The rebound advantage went in favor of Bethany Lutheran, 41-37.
 
UP NEXT:
The Vikings will welcome the University of Northwestern Eagles to the Sports and Fitness Center Saturday afternoon for the conference finale. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.
 
***Head Coach Matt Fletcher and his squad will honor Brandyn Frelix and Jamar Kelly, both playing their final regular season game on the home court of the Vikings.

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.