Minneapolis, MN.  – The Vikings womens basketball team beat the North Central University Rams 65-56 in their first of three straight games on the road. The win makes for three straight for the Vikings, puts their record at 13-4, and their UMAC record at 7-1.

The Vikings were able to take control of the game straight out of the gate, running out to an early 6-1 lead. They would keep their foot on the gas pedal, and end the first quarter leading 12-7. In the second quarter, the Rams would make an early 10-4 run, and then neither team would be able to score until the six minute mark, when the Rams would extend their run to 12-4. The Rams would continue to outpace the Vikings, and find themselves up by six with five minutes left in the half. But the Vikings would silence the early Rams push, allowing them to score only three points through the rest of the half. The Vikings would end the first half up 26-25.

The third quarter would be a slug fest, with neither team being able to gain much of an edge. At the three minute mark in the third quarter, the Vikings and Rams would be tied at 41. The Vikings would be able to gain a small edge through the end of the first half, leading 45-43. The final quarter would start out like the third quarter, with the Vikings only having a two point lead through the first half of the fourth quarter. Then, the Vikings would go on an 11-6 run, and would use that momentum to win the game 65-56.

The Vikings defense would once again come into play, with the Vikings forcing 12 turnovers and converting those into 12 points, compared to the Rams 9 turnovers and 2 points. The Vikings also recorded 4 blocks, 6 steals, and 36 rebounds.

Bethany benefited from the return of Abby Olson, as she recorded 15 points and 6 rebounds.  Haley Sandin would score 13, and Emilee Gustin scored 10.

Up Next: The Vikings will head to Duluth, MN to face the College of St. Scholastica Saints on Saturday, January 19th at 3 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