MANKATO, MN.  – It was a special night as the BLC men's basketball program celebrated five seniors in the last regular season home game against North Central University. Additionally, the Vikings won their 18th regular season game which is a new school record.
 
The Vikings were able to score 46 first-half points despite shooting just 42.8% from the field and 27.8% from the three-point line. The Vikings did well at getting to the free throw line, converting 13 of 15 attempts. They also had just two turnovers. Defensively, the Vikings stifled the Rams offense, holding them to 35.9% from the field overall and just 32 points.
 
The shooting picked up dramatically in the second half for the Vikings as they sunk 7 of 11 three-point attempts for 63.6%. They were 20-33 overall from the field in the second half for 60.6%. The Rams offense picked up in the second half as well, but the Vikings won handily by a score of 106-75.
 
Cire Mayfield proved he is the best freshman in the UMAC this season as he scored 24 points on 50% shooting and dished out nine assists. Trenton Krueger had a big night with 19 points and seven rebounds. Jared Merchant went 3-3 from the field and 7-9 from the free throw line for 13 points. Kaden Vaughn checked into the game late for the Vikings and went 2-2 from the three-point line in just three minutes of play.
 
The Vikings say goodbye to five seniors including Don Henderson Jr, Dan Gutzmer, Austin Bauer, Blake Lindstrom, and Jarred Merchant. About this group of seniors Coach Fletcher commented, "This group of seniors is special. They have created a winning culture and have changed this program drastically for the better. We appreciate all they have given to the program, campus, and community."
 
Up next: The Vikings are the #2 seed in the UMAC tournament and will play on Wednesday, February 20th at 7:30 PM. Their opponent is still TBD.
 
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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