V-Hawks Finish First Half of Conference Schedule with a Win

LA CROSSE, Wis. - The Viterbo University Men's Basketball team took on the Bellevue University Bruins at home on Saturday. The V-Hawks defeated the Bruins 65-60 bringing their record to 12-8 (6-1 NSAA) while the Bruins fall to 12-9 (4-3 NSAA).

The teams traded points to start off the first half before a couple jumpers from Jack Monis Viterbo up 11-8. Back-to-back three-pointers by Cole Crubel and Alex King helped the V-Hawks extend their lead 19-13 with ten minutes left in the half. Robert Cunitz added two jumpers allowing Viterbo to maintain their lead 28-17. The teams traded points before Ben Olson put up a jumper to end the first half 37-24.

Bellevue and Viterbo traded points to start the second half before Paulo Araujo landed a jumper and a three-pointer to put the Bruins within five points of the V-Hawks, 41-36. The V-Hawks answered back maintaining their lead with a jump shot by Cunitz at the 9:33 mark with Viterbo leading 50-38. Araujo landed two free-throws to shorten the gap for the Bruins, 53-47. Viterbo kept their lead till the end defeating the Bruins 65-60.

The V-Hawks outshot the Bruins from the three (40%-23.8%) but couldn't beat Bellevue from the field (37.7%46.7%).

Ben Olson led Viterbo with 18 points. Cunitz followed with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Jack Monis added 10 points and 5 rebounds. Dakota Mannel contributed 6 assists and 6 rebounds.

Araujo led the Bruins with 26 points and 2 steals. Justin Motley contributed 9 rebounds followed by Keenami Maggard with 7.

Viterbo will travel to Bellevue University on Friday, January 27th at 7:30 PM CST.