V-Hawks Fall in Nailbiter to Vikings

LA CROSSE, Wisconsin – The Viterbo University Men's Basketball team narrowly lost, 76-73, at home in the NSAA Preview game against Valley City State (ND) on Saturday afternoon. The V-Hawks fall to 5-4, while the Vikings improve to 5-3. The game does not count towards the teams' conference records.

Garret Locy scored six of the V-Hawks first 10 points, followed by a three by Ben Olson to tie the game 16-16 with 11:12 in the half. Valley City State answered by going on a five point run, ended by Stefan Popovic with a 3-pointer though Viterbo was still trailing VCS. A steal by Jack Monis ending in a 3-pointer made by Cole Crubel closing the Vikings 10-point lead to 7. The Vikings outshot the V-Hawks to end the half 9-3 and led 44-31 going into the break.

Ben Olson and Cole Crubel took control of the second half by scoring 16 combined points to four for the Vikings. With 9:25 to go in the game Crubel scores a 3-point shot to take the lead for the first time of the game, followed by a Popovic three and an Olson layup. The V-Hawks continued to battle the Vikings back and forth until VCS started to pull away with back-to-back free throws . Monis hits a jump shot amongst Vikings free-throws with 1:34 to go at 73-71 with Ben Olson's jumpshot at the buzzer that was no good.

Olson led the team with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Crubel added 20 with 6 rebounds. Mahovrh recorded 9 assists with 5 rebounds. Lyman led the Vikings with 16 points.

The Vikings outshot the V-Hawks 49.1%-40.3% from the floor, and 44.4%-37.1% from three. Viterbo grabbed seven more rebounds, 37-30, though committed more turnovers 14-12

The V-Hawks return to action on the road on Thursday, November 30 at Northwestern Michigan at 5:00pm.