Mankato, MN.  – The #2 Vikings men's basketball team lost to #3 College of St. Scholastica Saints 95-88. The loss came in the semi-finals of the UMAC playoffs, ending the Vikings record at 18-8.
 
The Vikings found success to start the first half, going on a 9-4 run through the first few minutes. The Saints would push back, and they were able to keep pace with the Vikings, cutting the Vikings lead down to 11-10. The Vikings would then go on a 11-2 run, giving them a 22-12 lead halfway through the first half. The Saints would surge back however, and cut the Vikings lead down to just 40-35 at the half.
 
The second half would prove better for the Saints. The Vikings would be able to maintain a small lead through the first part of the half, but then the Saints would make another push. In the end, the Saints went on a 60-48 run in the second half, winning the game 95-88.
 
The Vikings were led by Cire Mayfield with 25 points, Jarred Merchant with 10 points and 6 rebounds, and Trenton Krueger had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
 
Bethany saw a few highlights to their season this year. After starting their first ten games at 4-6, the Vikings would make a huge push and finish the season with 18 wins, setting a regular-season school record. They would end the season on a 14-2 record for their games. They also hosted a UMAC tournament game for the third straight year.
 
Five seniors will be graduating this spring, as the basketball team says goodbye to Blake Lindstrom, Donald Henderson Jr., Austin Bauer, Daniel Gutzmer, and Vikings third leading scorer Jarred Merchant
 
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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