Mankato, MN.  – The Bethany Lutheran College Vikings Men's basketball team recorded their first conference win with a 90-74 win over the College of St. Scholastica Saints. The win moves the Vikings record to 4-5 overall and their UMAC record to 1-1.
 
The Vikings started the game well, maintaining a small lead with a 6 point peak throughout most of the first half. At 3:37 in the first, the Saints were able to tie the game at 32, but the Vikings went on a 11-2 tear with Jarred Merchant, Jake Dale, and Austin Bauer leading the charge, and ended the first half with a 9 point lead. The score was 43-34 in favor of BLC. The Vikings held a 52%-41% field goal advantage, and both teams shot 50% from three.
 
The Saints were not able to stand up to a Viking charge in the second half, as Bethany Lutheran ran up to a 20 point lead. This early second half run was mainly fueled by Austin Bauer, who had 16 points and shot 5-5 from three during this stretch. The Vikings were able to sustain that lead, keeping it to around 20 points throughout the rest of the game. A small charge late in the half for the Saints proved too little, too late, and the Vikings won 90-74.
 
The Vikings bench was a big part of their victory, outscoring the Saints bench 22-12. The Vikings also held a 15-9 second chance point advantage.
 
Austin Bauer had an outstanding performance in the game, scoring 22 points and shooting 7-9 from three and 70% overall. Cire Mayfield also played a large roll by recording 18 points and 5 rebounds, and Jarred Merchant had 16 points on 5-7 shooting.
 
Up next: The Vikings will play their third of four straight UMAC games on Wednesday, November 12th as they defend home court against the Martin Luther College Knights at 7:15 p.m.
 
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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.