JAMESTOWN, N.D. (vscuvikings.com) – Brandon University made two 3-pointers in the final 26 seconds Friday night, rallying for a 76-74 victory over the Valley City State University men’s basketball team.
Playing their season opener at Jamestown’s Cedric Smith Classic, the Vikings held a 74-70 lead before Brandon’s Dominique Dennis sank back-to-back 3-pointers, the last coming with 2 seconds remaining to give Brandon University the victory.
The Vikings are back in action Saturday afternoon for day two of the tournament at Jamestown’s Newman Arena. VCSU will face University of Winnipeg at 2 p.m.
Valley City State started strong Friday night, opening up a 37-31 halftime lead over the Bobcats. The Vikings led by as many as eight points early in the second half at 39-31. Brandon University responded with a 16-3 run to open up a five-point lead at 47-42. VCSU trailed 56-51 before scoring 10 of the next 13 points to regain the lead at 61-59.
From there, the teams went back-and-forth before VCSU scored six straight points to take a 74-69 lead with 1:09 remaining. Brandon University ended the game by scoring the final seven points, taking advantage of a Viking turnover and missed free throw in the last 38 seconds to set up Dennis’ game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds.
The Vikings shot 47 percent overall (29-62), 30 percent from 3-point range (6-20) and 67 percent from the line (10-15). Brandon University finished the game shooting 43 percent from the field (29-67), 35 percent on 3’s (8-23) and 53 percent at the line (10-19).
Logan Nelson led the Vikings with 19 points on 8-for-13 shooting. Jalen Addison scored 17 points and dished five assists in his Viking debut, and Chris Thompson had 12 points and five rebounds in his first game as a Viking. Hunter Sand and Connor Entzi each added nine points.
Both teams finished with 39 rebounds. VCSU turned the ball over 19 times and had 16 assists, while Brandon finished with 15 turnovers and 18 assists.
Up next: Valley City State will play University of Winnipeg at 2 p.m. Saturday in Jamestown.
(Photos Courtesy of UJ Athletics)