Mannel Hits Another Game Winner

LA CROSSE, Wis. – the Viterbo University Men's Basketball earned a 64-62 home win over Dickinson State University (ND) on Saturday evening. The V-Hawks improve to 8-13 (2-4 NSAA), while the Blue Hawks fall to 12-9 (3-3 NSAA).

Nick Malovrh scored six early points for the V-Hawks as they led 8-5, at 15:28. The Blue Hawks built a lead 12-8 before a Colin Adams free throw ended the run, and after two Dakota Mannel free throws, Dickinson scored nine straight. Free throws from Mannel, Malovrh, and Jack Monis helped Viterbo close the gap, as did a three from Malovrh. Mannel hit a jumper to end the half, with Viterbo behind, 23-28.

Monis and Malovrh each hit jumpers to make it a one-possession game, and it would stay close, with Monis leading the V-Hawks with eight points over a three minute span. Stefan Popovic had a jump shot assisted by Garret Locy bring the score to 42-44, while a Locy three gave Viterbo the lead, 54-52. The teams traded free throws down the stretch, and with the game tied at 62-62, Mannel's layup found the basket for the two-point lead with under a minute left.

Monis and Malovrh each posted 18 points, while Mannel had 17. Monis also grabbed nine rebounds, while Mannel and Malovrh both had seven. Aidan Fishell had 15 for Dickinson.

Dickinson shot 45.8% from the floor, 33.3% from three, while the V-Hawks were at 39.6%, 36.4 from three. VU also grabbed more rebounds, 39-26.

The V-Hawks return to the hardwood on Friday, February 2 as they host Dakota State University (SD) at 7:30 PM.