Strong first-half offense leads Men's Basketball to victory

LA CROSSE, Wis. - The Viterbo University Men's Basketball team faced Mount Mercy at home on Saturday afternoon. The V-Hawks defeated the Mustangs, 88-69. 

Viterbo got the early jump, getting the 8-0 lead only three minutes into play. Noah Fredrickson sank two threes in a row to extend the Viterbo lead 17-2 just four minutes later in the game. Robert Cunitz created 20 of Viterbo's 31 points under ten minutes in the first half, including a half-court buzzer-beater to send the V-Hawks into the locker room at halftime. 

Brady Polk converted back-to-back layups to start the second half for Viterbo. Nolan Martin followed that up with a three-pointer of his own. Despite efforts for a Mustang comeback, Jack Monis made a series of jumpers under the basket midway through the second half to extend the Viterbo lead. Ultimately, the V-Hawk offense stayed consistent enough to shut down any Mount Mercy comeback. 

Viterbo shot an impressive 70 percent from the field and 63.6 percent from behind the arc in the first half. They shot a total of 64.8 percent from the field throughout the game. Not only were they strong on offense in the first half, but they also forced 11 Mount Mercy turnovers on defense. 

Cunitz had a team-high 22 points and four assists, followed by Monis who contributed 21 points. Monis had a team-high five rebounds. Fredrickson tallied 13 points and four assists of his own. 

The V-Hawks will remain home for another 3:00 p.m. game next Saturday, December 18 against Northwestern (Iowa). Follow the action on viterboathletics.com or by following us on social media.