Monis' New Career-High not Enough to Stop the Comets

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Men's Basketball team took on Mayville State (N.D.) on Saturday night. The Comets topped the V-Hawks 101-82, bringing Viterbo's season record to 8-8 (2-1 NSAA), and Mayville's record to 13-3 (3-0 NSAA).

Mayville came out hot, scoring the first 8 points of the night. Jack Monis was quick to respond, putting up the next four points. The Comets would maintain their lead, a set of free throws made by Steele Senske putting them up 32-14. Viterbo would go on to score the next 8 points, Keegan Severn, Cole Crubel, and Luke Spink each contributing. The teams traded points for the remainder of the half, ending with a final jump shot by Winder Joseph to give Mayville a 55-38 lead.

Jack Monis led the V-Hawks with 12 first-half points, and Keegan Severn added seven on perfect shooting. Dakota Mannel added four assists. Joseph led the Comets with 15 in the first.

To start the second half, the Comets' Jameson Kramer made a jumper to extend their lead to 57-38. Monis and Colin Adams persevered, earning the next 5 points for the V-Hawks. The game continued to go back and forth, with Mayville maintaining their lead. At 15:41, a layup made by Thomas Gieske put the Comets up 69-49. The V-Hawks held on, with a handful of players contributing points. However, the efforts of Monis, Crubel, Garret Locy, Ben Olson, Robert Cunitz, King, and Dakota Mannel were not enough to come out on top. The game ended 101-82 in the Comets' favor. 

The Comets outshot the V-Hawks from the field (59.4%-46.8%) as well as from the three (48.0%-38.1%). They also won the rebound battle 41-22. 

Monis led all players with a career-high 31 points. Monis also led in rebounds (6), and Mannel in assists (8) and steals (3). Kramer was the point leader for the Comets, scoring 28, and Taine Mitchell contributed 6 assists.

Viterbo will return to action on Friday, January 13 as they hit the road to take on Valley City State (N.D.) at 7:30 PM CST.