Balanced Offense Overpowers Vikings

VALLEY CITY, ND – The Viterbo University Men's Basketball team claimed a 93-81 win on the road at NSAA opponent Valley City State (ND) on Friday night. Viterbo improves to 10-14 (4-5 NSAA, while the Vikings fall to 10-13 (2-7 NSAA).  

Jack Monis and Ben Olson scored early baskets for the V-Hawks, but the Cole Crubel scored the nine points for Viterbo as they went up 15-12. Olson then scored six straight as VU continued to extend their lead, and Lydell King added a layup and steal. Olson scored again after a Nick Malovrh three for the 29-19 lead, and a spread out attack from Crubel, King, and Olson kept Viterbo in control. Stefan Popovic scored five points in the final two minutes as VU led 49-36 going into the half.

Monis had a layup and an and-one early in the second, but Valley City began to chip away at the lead. Malovrh scored five straight, including an and-one to go back up double digits, then hit a three. An 11-2 run from Valley City quickly brought them back into the game, but Monis ended the run with a pair of free throws. The Vikings closed the game to one possession multiple times, but Viterbo also had an answer, including a Monis jumper and Crubel three. Monis and Dakota Mannel each hit their clutch late free throws for the 93-81 win.

Viterbo had a very balanced attack as Malovrh and Crubel each had 17, Olson posted 16, Monis scored 15, and Mannel had 14. Crubel also grabbed seven rebounds and Mannel had six. Cleveland Bedgood had 22 points for VCSU.

Viterbo outshot Valley City from the floor, 54.2% - 44.8%, and from three, 41.7% - 36.4%, collected more rebounds, 36-27, and committed less turnovers, 9-12.

Viterbo returns to action on Saturday, February 10 at Dickinson State University (ND).