Mankato, MN.  – The Bethany Lutheran College Vikings Men's basketball team broke a four game losing streak with an 88-83 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils. The victory marks the first victory since November 10th, the Vikings first home victory, and puts their record at 3-4.
 
The Vikings were able to start the game off hot, going on a 16-9 run behind a combined 12 point effort from Cire Mayfield, Jarred Merchant, and Jared Milinkovich. The Vikings continued to put pressure on the Blue Devils, and half way through the first half they found themselves up 16-23. The Blue Devils were able to turn up the heat for a bit and get within 3, but a combined 10 point effort from Cire Mayfield, Jarred Merchant, and Austin Bauer, as well as a deep three from Blake Lindstrom at the buzzer kept the Vikings up 41-34.
 
The second half proved to be much tougher for the Vikings. They were able to jump out to an 11 point lead at first, but a 24-16 run by the Blue Devils put the game to within 2. The Vikings were able to hold on with the strength of their three point shooting, going 36% from deep compared to the Blue Devils 11%. The Vikings had a late half surge, and won the game 88-83.
 
The Vikings were able to take the win by controlling the pace of the game, forcing 21 turnovers and scoring 46 points in the paint compared to the Blue Devils 38.
 
The Vikings were led by Cire Mayfield with 23 points, Jarred Merchant with 16 points, and Jared Milinkovich had a double double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
 
Up next: The Vikings will play in their first UMAC game of the season  against the University of Northwestern Eagles on Wednesday, December 5th at 7:15 P.M. in St. Paul, MN.
 
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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.