Click the picture above for post game comments from Coach Fletcher and UMAC tournament MVP Brady Rose.

MANKATO, Minn. – For the first time in school history, the Bethany Lutheran men's basketball team is headed to the NCAA National Tournament.  
 
The gym was full as the top-seeded Vikings hosted the third-seeded University of Northwestern Eagles in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) tournament championship game on Saturday afternoon. The Vikings were searching for their first ever trip to the NCAA National Tournament while the Eagles had made seven consecutive trips coming into the season.
 
The momentum started for the Vikings right away when Trenton Krueger rose up for a left-handed slam on the first possession of the game. The Vikings were in control for almost the entire game, taking a 15 point lead into halftime and also leading by as many 24 points in the second half, but basketball is a game of momentum and the Eagles had it in their favor down the stretch. With just over two minutes left to play, the Vikings saw their lead cut to just three points. The Vikings called a timeout to regroup and on the ensuing offensive possession Bradley Rose buried a three from the corner, assisted from Brady Rose, to give the Vikings the separation they needed. A couple more tough shots would fall for the Eagles, but free throws down the stretch sealed the win for the Vikings by a score of 96-90.
 
Brady Rose was named the UMAC tournament MVP. Brady Rose scored a career-high 27 points against Morris in the semi-finals on Wednesday and followed it up today with 21 points. Brady Rose was 5-9 from the field with a couple three-point field goals and made 9 of 10 free throws.
 
Neil Eichten was huge for the Vikings in the UMAC tournament. Today, Eichten scored 21 points on 8-9 shooting, including 5-6 from deep, and also dished out seven assists. Three other players scored in double figures for the Vikings including Bradley Rose, Trenton Krueger, and Blake Lindstrom.
 
The Vikings sizzled in the championship game shooting 61.4% from the field and 14-28 from three. The Vikings were also 12-14 from the free throw line and they dished out an incredible 31 assists on 35 made shots.
 
In their two tournament games, the Vikings posted some incredible offensive numbers. Averaging 104 points per game in the tournament, the Vikings made 76 of 125 shots overall (60.8%), they made 28 of 52 shots from three (53.8%), and dished out an incredible 63 assists.
 
The Vikings will continue to carry that momentum into Bethany's first ever trip to the NCAA National Tournament. The NCAA tournament selection show and announcement is Monday, February 26 at 11:30 AM on NCAA.com.  
 
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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