Malovrh, Olson Lead Upset Over #23 Dordt

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – The Viterbo University Men's Basketball team upset #23 Dordt University (Iowa) 81-80 in their final game at the Northwestern University (Iowa) Pizza Ranch Classic on Saturday afternoon. The V-Hawks improve to 5-2, while the Defenders fall to 5-1.

Nick Malovrh score five of the V-Hawks first seven points, followed by two layups from Jack Monis. Ben Olson put Viterbo up 20-18 at 12:51, but after Malovrh's second three, the Defenders went on a run to take a 29-23 lead. The V-Hawks hit three straight threes, two from Olson, one from Stefaan Popovic, for a three-point lead, but Dordt answered, going back up five. Olson hit another three to tie the match at 40-40, and Malovrh ended the half with three layups for a 46-46 stalemate at half.

Garret Locy's three started a 12-0 run for Viterbo to start the second half that included an Olson and-one. However, DU responded just as strongly, going up 60-58 before Olson's layup at 11:17 tied the match again at 60-60. The teams traded baskets including a Colin Adams three and two Monis jumpers. Dordt took the lead 75-74 at 3:25, but Adams put the V-Hawks back in the lead, and while Lucas Lorenzen made it a one-point game at 1:06, Adams hit a pair of free throws, and Bryce Coppock missed at the buzzer as Viterbo completed the upset.

Olson led all players with 25 points, while Malovrh added 22 with five rebounds, and five assists. Adams recorded 12 points with seven boards. Lorenzen led Dordt with 17 points.

Viterbo outshot the Defenders 48.5% - 42.6% from the floor, and 37% - 36% from three. Dordt grabbed three more rebounds, 41-38, but also committed one more turnover, 13-12.

The V-Hawks return to action on Wednesday, November 15 at Luther College (Iowa) at 7:30 PM.