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MN  (NewsDakota.com)–Six in a row did not come easy for the Viking women Wednesday night.

Hampered by poor first-half shooting, the Vikings fell behind the University of Minnesota-Morris Cougars 29-19 at the break, but rallied behind their defense for a 29-7 run, earning a 63-49 win at Jim Gremmels Court in Morris, MN.

The Vikings scored the first seven points of the game, but shot just 24.2% from the field in the first half, and trailed 24-19 at halftime.  The Cougars then quickly scored the first five points of the second half, foring a Viking time out down 29-19.

Valley City State’s response was more than adequate.  Their 29-7 run  was fueled by Sadiqah Jihad (Fr., Minneapolis, MN), who scored nine of her 16 points in the second half.  Katie Ralston (Jr., Dahlen, ND), who did not score in the first half, scored eight in the second, while Brittany Lehner (So., Watertown, SD) scored 13 in her second start after a shoulder injury limited her to just five games before the holiday break.

The Vikings forced 20 turnovers against Morris on the night, and held post player Emily Mehr (Jr., Aitkin, MN) to just six points, nine below her average.  Kendra Wycoff (Fr., Montrose, MN) led the Cougars with 11.

The Vikings are now 11-8 overall, and travel to the University of Sioux Falls Saturday.