VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSUVikings.com) – The Valley City State men’s basketball team ran into a hot-shooting Minot State team Thursday night as the Vikings fell 97-64 in an exhibition contest.

Minot State, an NCAA Division II school, shot 79 percent in the first half and 67 percent in the game en route to the victory. The game was an exhibition contest for both teams.

The Vikings held their own early against the Beavers. Valley City State held an 18-15 lead after seven minutes of play. From there, Minot State blistered the nets and outscored the Vikings 36-15 to close the first half with a 51-33 lead.

Valley City State finished the game shooting 38 percent overall (20-53), 28 percent on 3’s (5-18) and 68 percent on free throws (19-28).

Minot State’s hot shooting night culminated in a 66 percent performance overall (40-60), 53 percent from 3-point range (8-15) and 64 percent at the line (9-14).

VCSU had 12 turnovers, eight assists and two steals. Minot State finished with 12 turnovers, 11 assists and seven steals. The Beavers held a 35-20 advantage on the glass.

Logan Nelson and Jake Skelly both scored 11 points to lead the Viking offense. Christian Kvilvang finished with 10 points and both Chris Morgan and Connor Entzi had eight.

Minot State had six players reach double figures, including 18 points by Dorian Aluyi and 17 by Max Cody.

Up next: Valley City State (1-1) hosts Bemidji State on Saturday at 3 p.m.