MANKATO, Minn. – The Bethany Vikings (15-4, 8-2) extended their winning streak to six games on Wednesday night by defeating the Martin Luther College Knights (5-14, 3-7). After falling behind in the first quarter, the Vikings took control of the game, winning by a final score of 85-71.
Martin Luther got started quickly in the game, jumping out to a 25-18 lead after the first quarter. The Vikings bounced back in the second quarter and took control of the game, outscoring the Knights 27-9. Current UMAC player of the week, Abby Olson, scored ten points for the Vikings in the first half. Emily Skrien added nine points off the bench. As a team, BLC was 41.4% (12-29) from the field. The Vikings got to the free throw line 22 times and converted 19. The Bethany defense held the Knights to 37.1% from the field and forced 11 first half turnovers.
The Knights were able to cut the Bethany lead down to five points with less than two minutes remaining in the third, but the Vikings ended with a 7-0 run, taking a 69-57 lead into the final quarter. Bethany led by as many as 18 points in the fourth quarter and won by a final score of 85-71.
Brooke Henning led the Vikings with 20 points. She also had six rebounds. Haley Sandin played a well-rounded game with 17 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds. Abby Olson contributed 17 points for the Vikings and Emily Skrien finished with 12 points off the bench.
Bethany finished the game shooting 40.9% from the field and 6-13 from behind the arc. The Vikings continue to dominate their opponents at the free throw line and finished the game 25-34. The Vikings controlled the ball well in the game and finished with 19 assists on 27 made field goals. The Viking defense forced the Knights into 19 turnovers on the evening and held them to 4-25 shooting from deep.
Up Next: The Vikings hit the road and will play at Northland College on Saturday, January 27. Tipoff is 5 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
