VALLEY CITY (VCSU) (vcsuvikings.com) – The Valley City State University men’s basketball team trimmed a 25-point second-half deficit to eight points Friday night, but could get no closer in a 96-84 loss to Viterbo University.
The V-Hawks shot 65 percent in the first half and made eight 3-pointers as they opened up a 55-36 lead at the break. The Vikings cut a 64-39 deficit to 10 points midway through the second half – 69-59 – but could get no closer than 92-84 late in the game.
Valley City State drops to 8-16 overall and 4-6 in the North Star Athletic Association. Viterbo University improves to 11-12 overall and 5-5 in the NSAA. The V-Hawks have now swept the season series with VCSU. The Vikings drop into sixth place in the NSAA standings, while Viterbo moves into a tie for fourth place.
The teams were tied 14-14 after VCSU junior Kevin Schramm‘s basket inside with 11:51 left in the first half. At that point, Viterbo was 0-for-6 from 3-point range. Things changed quickly though as the V-Hawks heated up. Tyree Young made Viterbo’s first 3-pointer to put the V-Hawks up 17-14 with 11:19 left in the half, starting a stretch where Viterbo made eight of its next nine 3-point attempts. Noah Fredrickson’s 3-pointer with 1:56 remaining capped the 3-point barrage and put Viterbo ahead 53-27.
The Vikings made three 3’s of their own in the last two minutes – including two by Chris Thompson – to cut the deficit to 55-36 at halftime. Viterbo led 64-39 early in the second half before VCSU ripped off a 20-5 run. Logan Nelson‘s 3-pointer with 10:05 remaining capped the big run and pulled VCSU to within 69-59. VCSU had two possessions to cut the deficit to single digits, but were unable to convert.
Viterbo’s Tyree Young hit back-to-back 3-pointers down the stretch to help the V-Hawks keep the Vikings at bay. VCSU sophomore Chris Thompson‘s 3-pointer with 1:01 remaining pulled VCSU as close as they would get at 92-84.
Nelson finished with 24 points to lead VCSU, while Thompson made four 3’s and poured in 20 points. Kevin Schramm added 19 points and eight rebounds, while Jalen Addison had four points and six assists off the bench.
Viterbo had five players score in double figures led by 19 points and four assists from Noah Fredrickson. Young finished with 17 points and five assists, while Jack Monis totaled 14 points.
Valley City State shot 51 percent overall (27-53), 46 percent on 3’s (13-28) and 95 percent at the line (17-18). Viterbo finished the game at 58 percent overall (34-59), 45 percent on 3’s (12-27) and 80 percent on free throws (16-20).
Viterbo held a 33-20 rebounding advantage, including a 9-3 edge on the offensive glass. The Vikings finished with 14 assists and nine turnovers, while Viterbo totaled 17 assists and 11 turnovers.
Up next: Valley City State hosts Waldorf University on Saturday. Viterbo University will play Saturday at Dickinson State.
(Photos Courtesy VCSU Athletics/Hannah Anderson)