MANKATO, Minn. —The Bethany Lutheran women's basketball team (12-6 overall, 7-0 UMAC) defeated North Central (14-2, 4-2) 77-66 Tuesday night. With the win, the Vikings are undefeated through the first half of the UMAC slate, and also marked the 22^nd-straight win over the Rams.
 
North Central opened the first 4:30 of the contest on an 8-5 run. BLC answered with a 13-0 run over the next two minutes to take a 10-point lead (18-8). The Vikings led 21-12 at the end of the frame and senior Hanna Geistfeld (Truman, Minn.) already had 11 points and six rebounds.
 
Both teams scored 19 points in the second quarter, which meant Bethany maintained a nine-point lead at halftime. Geistfeld achieved her 13^th double double of the season as she had 17 points and 12 boards at the break.
 
A 15-8 third quarter from the Vikings gave them a 16-point lead (55-39) into the final frame.
 
The Rams battled back and sliced it to five on two made free throws (69-64) with 1:26 remaining.
 
North Central chose to foul, so free throws helped BLC extend its margin to double digits (74-64) once more with 38 seconds to go. After a timeout from the Rams, they scored a layup to whittle the lead to single digits (74-66) with 0:31 left. The Vikings made three of four three throws down the stretch to seal the win.
 
Geistfeld finished with 24 points and 16 rebounds. Freshman Haley Meyer (Centerville, SD) had her first career double double with a career-high in points (18) and rebounds (100). Classmate Alexis Cloyd (Garden City, Minn.) completed those in double figures with 10 points.


 
BLC held the team advantages in all three shooting percentage categories, rebounds, and assists
 
The Vikings continue their six-game homestand Friday when they host Martin Luther at 5:30 p.m.