Bruins Defense Slows the V-Hawks

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Men's Basketball team fell to Bellevue University (Neb.), 49-58, at home on Saturday afternoon. The V-Hawks drop to 9-14 (3-5 NSAA) on the year, while the Bruins improve to 10-14 (5-3 NSAA).

The V-Hawks scored the first four points of the game on layups from Colin Adams and Dakota Mannel. The Bruins answered with eight straight points, until Jack Monis ended the run. Cole Crubel and Mannel each added free throws, while Monis converted an and-one, but a three from the Bruins tied the game at 15-15. The teams traded baskets, including a Keegan Severn dunk and Lydell King free throw, and the V-Hawks trailed by one at halftime, 22-23.

Bellevue jumped out to a 13-3 run to start the second half, final being ended by a pair of Ben Olson layups. However, BU continued to grow their lead with a pair of free throws and a three. Olson scored four unanswered points to bring the game back within five, but Bellevue had an answer each time, making it ten points again with two minutes left. While Monis drew an and-one and hit his free throws late, Bellevue held onto the 58-49 win.

Monis led all players with 19 points, while Olson added 11 with four rebounds. Jerome Bynum and Christian Carter each had 12 for Bellevue. The Bruins shot 51.3% from the floor, and 33.3% from three. The V-Hawks shot 34.7% from three, and did not hit either of their three point attempts. Bellevue grabbed more rebounds than Viterbo, 34-23, but committed more turnovers, 20-11.

The V-Hawks return to action on Friday, February 9 at Valley City State University (ND).