Box Score MANKATO, Minn. – The Bethany Vikings (12-7, 8-2) hosted the Martin Luther Knights (2-16, 1-9) in UMAC play on Wednesday evening with hopes to remain at the top of league standings. The Vikings battled with the Knights for 40 minutes and won by a final score of 81-69.
 
The first half was physical which set the tone for the entire ballgame. There were only seven fouls called between the two teams and just four free throws were shot. The Vikings found a nice rhythm from behind the three-point line, going 6-10. Austin Bauer hit two threes off the Bench for the Vikings and scored a total of eight points. Neil Eichten powered the Viking offense with six assists. As a team, the Vikings shot 45.9% from the field in the first half and 60% (6-10) from behind the three-point line. The Knights were 40% from the field in the first half and 4-12 (33.3%) from deep. The Vikings went into halftime ahead of the Knights, 42-33.
 
The second half was played pretty even between the two teams. The Vikings were able to manage their first half lead and never let the Knights get too close. Some of the physical play was cleaned up in the second half as 35 free throws were shot between the two teams. The Vikings finished 17-26 from the line and the Knights were 14-16. With the Knights making one last push, the Vikings drew up an inbounds play that sent Jared Milinkovich long for a deep pass and easy layup to seal the victory.
 
Neil Eichten led the Vikings with 17 points on 6-8 shooting including 2-3 from deep. Eichten had a great all-around game with seven assists and six rebounds. Bradley Rose finished the game with 15 points and five assists. As a team, the Vikings had 19 assists on 28 field goals made. They shot 41.2% from the field and 8-18 from behind the arc.
 
Up Next: The Vikings hit the road and will play at Northland College on Saturday, January 27. Tipoff is 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