MANKATO, Minn. – The Bethany Vikings (11-6, 7-1) finished out the first round of conference play with a sound win over North Central (5-10, 3-5). The Vikings were on their game defensively, making it tough for the Rams to find an offensive rhythm and won by a final score of 77-60.
 
The Vikings and the Rams both came ready to play defensively tonight as the game started slowly on offense in the first half. The Vikings were able to find an advantage in the first half by crashing the offensive glass, pulling down seven offensive rebounds. Trenton Krueger had 10 points and nine rebounds in the first half and Austin Bauer scored eight points in the first half. The Vikings only shot 38.9% as a team from the field, but limited the Rams to just 21.9% and went into halftime with a 33-22 lead.
 
The Vikings never relinquished control of the game in the second half and stretched their lead to 22 points with four minutes to play. The Rams played better offensively in the second half, but the Viking defense still limited them to 30.8% shooting from the field for the game. The Vikings shot 50% from the field in the second half and finished 44.1% overall.
 
Brady Rose had a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Trenton Krueger also had a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds and Jake Dale finished the game with 10 points and nine rebounds. Austin Bauer also played well for the Vikings, finishing the game with 17 points.
 
Up Next: The Vikings, who now sit in first place by themselves in the UMAC, are back at home again on Saturday, January 20 and will host St. Scholastica at 3 PM.
 
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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