ROSEVILLE, MN – The Bethany Lutheran College men's basketball team lost to the University of Northwestern 86-72 to start UMAC play. The loss puts the Vikings overall record at 3-5.
 
The Vikings took an immediate 2-0 lead, but then the Eagles took control of the game for most of the first half. Northwestern steadily built their lead, going up by 11 with seven minutes left. The Vikings fought back, however, and retook the lead with just over a minute to go after a layup from Jarred Merchant. One more basket from the Eagles gave them a 40-39 lead heading into the break.
 
The Vikings shot just 35.3% from the field in the second half while the Eagles broke out for 58.1%. Northwestern never trailed in the second half and won by a final score of 86-72.
 
Cire Mayfield scored 22 points on 50% shooting from the field and also dished out five assists. Jarred Merchant nearly had a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds. Bethany struggled from the three-point line, going 7-27 and shot just 25-68 from the field overall.
 
Up Next: The Vikings are back in Mankato on Saturday as they host the Saints of St. Scholastica at 4:45 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.