MANKATO, Minn. - Bethany men's basketball dropped a 78-69 decision to Crown on Wednesday night, falling to 9-7 overall and 2-1 in the UMAC.
After trading the lead three times in the first three minutes, the Vikings took the advantage and held it throughout the first half. Midway through the frame, Rysley Borman sunk a three to spark an 11-2 run, giving the home squad its largest lead of the game at 32-16 with 8:34 on the clock. The Polars were able to finish the period on a 15-4 run and trailed 36-31 at half.
Bethany was able to increase its lead back to eight points twice in the second before the Polars scored 14 straight points, taking a 56-50 lead at the 10:50 mark. Crown gained its largest lead of 10 points with 5:22 on the clock and the Vikings were never able to recover in the nine-point loss.
The Vikings shot 43.5 percent while the Polars shot 53.6 percent in the second half and 44.4 percent overall. The visitors were efficient at the charity stripe, making 16-of-18 free throws. Bethany edged Crown on the boards 33-32.
Max Briggs and Will Walter led the way with 14 points apiece. Jack Brockmann added nine points and a team-high 13 rebounds, along with three assists and three steals.
Bethany has the weekend off and is back in action next Wednesday at Martin Luther.
