Box Score MANKATO, Minn. – It was a battle of the unbeaten teams as the Bethany Vikings (8-5, 5-0) hosted the MN-Morris Cougars (4-8, 3-1). The Vikings entered tonight's game with a five-game winning streak and undefeated record in conference play while the Cougars were riding a four-game winning streak to go along with their undefeated record in conference. With both teams putting their perfect UMAC record on the line, it was the Vikings who prevailed by a final score of 91-85.
 
It was a relatively slow start for two of the best offensive teams in the UMAC. The Vikings shot just 37.1% from the field in the first half while the Cougars shot only 36.4%. Each team also committed eight turnovers. Sophomore forward Trenton Krueger scored 12 points in the first half for the Vikings and also pulled down five rebounds. Junior guard Dan Gutzmer hauled down six rebounds in just six minutes of play in the first half. At the break, the Vikings led 38-35.
 
The action picked up in the second half as the two teams combined for 103 points. The Vikings were able to get 7 of 14 shots from behind the arc to fall during the second half and went 14-18 from the free throw line. Steady offense from the Vikings helped push the lead to 17 points with six minutes left in the game. The Cougars made a late push, cutting the lead to five points, but the Vikings stayed out of reach, winning by a final score of 91-85.
 
Trenton Krueger recorded a double-double for the Vikings with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Bradley Rose played a great game with 19 points, going 4-7 from deep and 7-8 from the free throw line, and added five assists as well.
 
Up Next: The Vikings are now the only unbeaten team in the UMAC and travel to the University of Wisconsin-Superior this weekend to take on the Yellowjackets on Saturday, January 6 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