Crubel's Big First Half, Mannel's Clutch Shot Lift V-Hawks over Vikings

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Men's Basketball team narrowly edged Valley City State University (ND), 87-86 on Friday night. The V-Hawks improve to 7-13 (1-4 NSAA), while the Vikings fall to 9-10 (1-4 NSAA).

Colin Adams and Jack Monis scored the first eight points for the V-Hawks, but after a Ben Olson layup, the Vikings hit back-to-back threes for the 18-10 lead. After a pair of Cole Crubel free throws, Stefan Popovic and Crubel each hit threes to bring the score to 23-22. Crubel hit another to tie the game at 25-25, and he would stay hot, hitting three more within two minutes for the 38-36 lead. VCSU tied the game, but Popovic hit two consecutive triples for the 44-38 lead, and Monis scored one more time to give Viterbo the 48-41 advantage going into the break.

Olson started the second with two and-ones and a jumper, and the lead stayed around 10 after Nick Malovrh and Adams jumpers, and a Garret Locy three extending it to as much as 14. The Vikings began to chip away at the lead, including an 11-0 run before a Monis layup, and a pair from the stripe tied it at 74-74. Valley City took the lead, 81-79 with two minutes left, and after Dakota Mannel tied it at 81-81, Valley City hit a clutch three for the lead. Trailing by three, Olson hit one from the line, and after a defensive stand, Mannel converted the and-one for a one point lead with 10 seconds left. VCSU missed a shot at the buzzer, and Viterbo claimed victory, 87-86.

Crubel led the V-Hawks with 22 points, Olson and Monis each had 15, and Mannel added 10. Monis also posted six rebounds and two steals. Cleveland Bedgood led all players with 46 points and seven rebounds.

The teams both shot above 56% from the floor, with the V-Hawks hitting 45.5%of their threes. Viterbo also grabbed one more rebounds, 26-25, but committed more turnovers, 15-11.

The V-Hawks return to action on Saturday, January 27 as they host Dickinson State University (ND).