MORRIS, Minn. – The Bethany Vikings (14-8, 10-3) picked up a big road win over the University of MN-Morris Cougars (9-12, 7-5) on Saturday afternoon. After a slow start by both teams, the Vikings found enough separation at the end of the first half and dominated the second half to win by a final score of 77-53.
 
It was a slow start for both teams this afternoon. After ten minutes of play, the score was 14-9 in favor of the Vikings. The Vikings then used a 14-2 run over the next six minutes of play to gain separation. The run was sparked by six points from Jake Dale and six points from Blake Lindstrom. The Cougars closed the gap by four points over the next few minutes, but the Vikings took a comfortable 37-27 lead into halftime.
 
The Vikings found themselves shooting only 35.3% from the field in the first half, but their defensive effort limited the Cougars to 31.3% and forced them into seven turnovers. The Vikings held the advantage from the three-point line, going 5-13, and held the Cougars to 0-10 from deep.
 
The Vikings and Cougars began to find their offensive rhythm at the start of the second half. After nine minutes of play the advantage was just about the same as the Vikings were ahead 52-44. After a 30 second timeout by the Cougars, the Vikings turned up the pace and used a huge 20-2 run to take a commanding 72-46 lead. Bradley rose scored 11 points over the stretch including three makes from deep. The outburst sealed the game for the Vikings and they cruised to a 77-53 win.
 
Bradley Rose collected a double-double for the Vikings. He scored a game-high 26 points and also grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds. The senior was 6-11 from the three point line and also had four assists. Trenton Krueger scored 17 points for the Vikings and grabbed eight rebounds. Blake Lindstrom scored nine points off the bench, going 3-6 from behind the arc.
 
The Vikings have clinched a playoff spot in the UMAC tournament with three games remaining. The Vikings are still hunting a regular season conference championship and are tied at the top of the UMAC standings with St. Scholastica.
 
Up Next: The Vikings are back at home on Wednesday, February 7th versus Crown. Tipoff is 5:30 PM.
 
As part of the events that evening, there will be a fundraiser for the family of women's basketball player Emily Skrien. A fire at the family home on the morning of Tuesday, January 16 caused extensive damage and losses. A free will offering, free will bake sale, and tennis ball toss contest at halftime of the men's game will aid the fundraising effort. Additionally, proceeds from all ticket sales and concession sales will be donated to the family.
 
 
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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