VALLEY CITY, N.D. (vcsuvikings.com) – Five Vikings scored in double figures Thursday night as the Valley City State men’s basketball team picked up a big exhibition win, downing NCAA Division II school Minot State University by a score of 88-80.
The Vikings outscored the Beavers 47-36 in the second half, shooting 65 percent over the final 20 minutes en route to the victory. Jalen Addison paced the Vikings with 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting. Kevin Schramm and Hunter Sand each poured in 17 points, while Connor Entzi finished with 13 and Logan Nelson added 10.
The game was an exhibition contest for both teams and does not count towards their overall records.
Both teams blistered the nets in the first half, combined to shoot 59 percent as Minot State took a 44-41 lead into the locker room. The teams went back and forth to start the second half until Addison drained a 3-pointer with 13:39 left, putting the Vikings ahead for good at 59-57. Addison’s 3-pointer sparked a 10-1 Viking run which opened up a 66-58 lead.
Minot State would claw back to within two points at 69-67 but could get not closer. The Vikings scored the next seven points on a basket by Hunter Sand and five straight points from Addison for a 76-67 lead. VCSU iced the 88-80 victory with five free throws in the final minute.
Valley City State shot 63 percent overall (32-51), 50 percent from 3-point range (8-16) and 64 percent at the line (16-25). Sand knocked down three 3-pointers while Schramm and Addison each made two 3’s. The Vikings totaled 11 steals – including five by Addison – which helped lead to 14 fast break points.
VCSU’s five starters all scored in double figures. Chris Thompson added eight points off the bench.
The Vikings finished with 14 assists and just 13 turnovers. Minot State had 14 assists and 17 turnovers. The Beavers shot 48 percent from the field (28-58), 36 percent on 3’s (12-33) and 63 percent at the line (12-19).
Minot’s Kyle Beisch made five 3-pointers and finished with a team-high 20 points. Max Cody added 14 points and five assists.
Up next: Valley City State (0-2) travels to rival University of Jamestown for a non-conference game Monday night at 7 p.m.