V-Hawks Overcome 20-Point Deficit, Snap Seven-Game Skid

 MITCHELL, S.D. – The Viterbo University Men's Basketball team snapped a seven-game losing streak and started 2024 with a 90-89 win at Dakota Wesleyan University (SD) on Wednesday night. The V-Hawks improve to 6-9 on the year, while the Tigers fall to 8-7.

Jack Monis scored the first basket for the V-Hawks with a jumper assisted Nick Malovrh, and Colin Adams gave Viterbo their first lead, 6-5, at 17:10. Cole Crubel hit his first three of the two minutes later, followed by a Colin Adams and-one. Although the game would be tied, 15-15 at 12:52, the Tigers would then put together a 20-4 run for the 35-19 lead. Crubel's jumper ended the run, then he converted two more layups, which, along with four points apiece from Adams and Monis, helped bring the game within 10, 43-33 with 2:22 left in the half. However, DWU would score five more unanswered to close the period.

Malovrh started the second with a bucket, then found Ben Olson for a layup. After a Dakota Wesleyan three at the 14 minute mark gave them their largest lead of the night at 23, Olson hit a triple of his own and Malovrh converted an and-one. Olson then started an 16-2 run that was highlighted by a Lydell King layup, threes from Garret Locy and Crubel, and two Adams layups. Monis gave Viterbo the lead, 79-78, with a jumper at 3:24, followed by an and-one. Monis hit a pair of free throws, Crubel connected on another three, and Adams converted a final and-one with a clutch free throw for the four-point lead with under 10-seconds left. The Tigers hit a three as time expired, but it came too late, and the V-Hawks win 90-89.

Monis led the V-Hawks with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double, Olson and Crubel each added 19 points, Adams recorded 16, and Malovrh dished seven assists. Jakob Dobney posted a game-high 24 points, while Samuel Aslesen and Diang Gatluak each had 14.

The V-Hawks shot a blazing 60.7% form the floor, including 50% from three, while the Tigers hit 48.5% of their attempts, and 51.4% (18-35) of their threes. Viterbo grabbed 11 more rebounds, 37-26, but committed four more turnovers, 12-8.

The V-Hawks return to action on Wednesday, January 10 as they host Waldorf University (Iowa) in their first North Star Athletic Association matchup of the year.