DUBUQUE, Iowa - Reminiscent of a few weeks ago when Bethany men's basketball won on an overtime buzzer beater, the Vikings fell on the other side of that result Tuesday against North Central (Ill.) at the Loras Holiday Classic. Trailing by two on the final possession of the game, North Central missed a layup with 11 seconds on the clock, but got the offensive rebound and hit a dagger three as time expired to win 91-90. 

The first half was back and forth with five ties and nine lead changes. The Vikings gained their largest lead of the first after a pair of free throws by Amory Peterson at the 3:51 mark, going up 38-31, but the Cardinals ended the period on an 11-5 run and the Vikings carried a 43-42 advantage after 20 minutes. 

Bethany was strong out of the break, starting the second half on a 23-7 run for a 66-49 lead with 10:33 to go. North Central started its comeback bid and made it a single digit difference with 6:27 remaining and then tied the game at 77 with 1:41 on the clock. The Cardinals took an 80-77 lead with 16 seconds remaining, but Jack Brockmann got an and-one after making a layup on a foul, and sinking the free throw to tie the game. 

Will Walter started the overtime with a three, which sparked a 9-2 run, highlighted by consecutive dunks by Brockmann. But the Cardinals once again clawed back and hit the heart breaker on the final shot. 

Bethany shot 58.1 percent from the floor and went 9-for-24 from long range. North Central won the rebound battle handily, 43-26. Walter led the Vikings with a season-high 23 points. Brockmann, Max Briggs, and Peterson added 11 points apiece, while Brady Ingersoll and Rysley Borman chipped in 10 each. 

Bethany (7-5) plays host Loras at 1 p.m. tomorrow. 
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