Mankato, MN.  – The Bethany Lutheran College Vikings men's basketball team lost a 12 game winning streak with a 105-101 defeat to the University of Northwestern Eagles. The loss puts the Vikings record at 15-6, and their UMAC record at 10-2. The Vikings are the second seed in the UMAC with the season winding down.
 
The game began with both teams going back and forth. With 10 minutes left in the half, the game was tied 19-19. Then the Vikings would go on a 22-16 run, and take a 41-35 lead with three minutes left in the half. Bethany would keep their foot on the gas and end the half with a 53-43 lead.
 
The Eagles would come out in the second half with all of the momentum, going on a 19 point swing in 8 minutes and take a 73-64 lead. The Vikings weren't going to go down easy though, and they went on a 23-14 run to tie the game at 87 with five minutes left in the game. Both teams would fight for the rest of the game, but the Eagles were able to slip away with a 105-101 victory.
 
The Eagles were able to outperform the Vikings in hustle plays, having a 15-11 advantage in second chance points and a 37-29 advantage in rebounds with 12 offensive rebounds. The Eagles would also outshoot the Vikings, hitting 54% of their shots compared to the Vikings 51%.
 
The Vikings were led by Cire Mayfield, who recorded 27 points and 8 assists. Jarred Merchant would have 19 points and 5 rebounds and Trenton Krueger would have 17 points and 7 rebounds.
 
Up next: The Vikings will take on the University of Minnesota Morris Cougars at home on Saturday, February 2nd at 4:45 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