Collegeville, Minn. – The Bethany Vikings (20-8) are moving on to the second round of the NCAA National Tournament after defeating #7 St. John's (23-4) 102-92 on their home court.
The Johnnies started the game with a bang after hitting a three-pointer on their first possession and followed up with a dunk after a Viking turnover. After the quick start from the Johnnies, the Vikings gathered themselves and put together their most impressive half of basketball this season. The Vikings shot an unbelievable 71.0% from the field in the first half which included making 9 of 12 shots from behind the arc. Trenton Krueger scored 23 first half points and was 4-5 from behind the arc. Neil Eichten was 4-5 from behind the arc, scored 16 points, and dished out eight assists. Jake Dale was unstoppable off the bench, going 5-5 for 10 points. As good as the Vikings were, the Johnnies kept pace, shooting 59.4% from the field and 10-17 from three. The Vikings led 60-54 at half.
The Johnnies started the second half with another three-pointer, but Neil Eichten answered with a three and then a couple layups from Bradley Rose and Austin Bauer gave the Vikings a ten point advantage. The Johnnies stayed steady and started cutting into the Bethany lead, eventually retaking control with 12 minutes left. For the next few minutes, the two teams traded baskets and leads, but a layup by Jake Dale with just under nine minutes left put the Vikings for good. Bethany made shots, got stops, and made free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Brady and Bradley Rose each had a big second half for the Vikings with 12 points and 10 points apiece. Brady finished with 16 points and nine rebounds while Bradley had 15 points and six rebounds. Trenton Krueger led the Vikings with 25 points and Neil Eichten had 21 points with five three-pointers. Jake Dale finished with 14 points on 7-8 shooting and Austin Bauer made some big shots down the stretch for the Vikings, finishing with nine points total.
Bethany finished shooting 59.6% and 11-22 from deep. The Vikings were clutch at the free throw line, making 23 of 27 attempts.
Up Next: Tomorrow night, the Vikings will take on #17 UW-Stevens Point. The Pointers defeated North Central College (IL) by a score of 72-55 in their first round game. Stevens Point will bring one of the top-ranked defenses in the country into tomorrow night's game, holding their opponents to an average of 63.5 points per game. They also shoot the ball well from behind the three-point line, averaging nearly nine makes per game at 41.4%. The Pointers are no stranger to the NCAA National Tournament and won two national championships under head coach Bob Semling in 2010 and 2015.
The Vikings will continue to play their up-tempo style of basketball tomorrow night as they look to knock off another nationally ranked opponent in #17 UW-Stevens Point.
Tipoff will be 7 PM at Sexton Arena in Collegeville, Minn. on the campus of St. John's.
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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
