VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Waldorf University took control with an 11-0 run late in the second half, and then held off a late Viking charge Saturday evening in North Star men’s basketball as the Warriors defeated Valley City State, 82-75.
With the game tied 59-59 at the 9:00 mark, the Vikings went into a four minute scoring drought, during which Waldorf put together an 11-0 run to build their biggest lead of the game at 70-59.
The Vikings trailed 74-64 with 3:30 to go before putting together a late run and giving themselves a chance. Kevin Schramm hit a 3-pointer to spark the Viking rally, and then Connor Entzi followed with a 3-pointer and a three-point play inside. VCSU’s 11-3 run was capped by a Jalen Addison driving layup, which trimmed the Viking deficit to just two points at 77-75 with 1:37 remaining.
Waldorf’s Quincy Minor followed with a driving layup on the other end to make it a two-possession game. The Vikings could get no closer as Waldorf scored the final three points at the free throw line for the 82-75 victory. Waldorf’s Demitrius Martin led all scorers with 35 points. At one point in the second half, Martin scored 17 straight points for the Warriors.
Valley City State drops to 8-17 overall and 4-7 in the NSAA. Waldorf improves to 9-15 overall and 6-5 in the North Star.
Connor Entzi led the Vikings with 22 points, including the first 12 of the game for VCSU. Entzi battled foul trouble throughout the night and was limited to 19 minutes and 31 seconds of playing time before fouling out late. Kevin Schramm posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Logan Nelson added 13 points, and Jalen Addison finished with 11 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Martin’s 35 points for Waldorf came on 13-for-21 shooting. He make three 3’s and also grabbed seven rebounds. Center Gabriel Munoz finished with 15 points and seven rebounds, and Brady Kuchinka added 13 points for Waldorf.
Both teams took care of the ball, combining for just 15 turnovers in the game (nine by VCSU).
VCSU shot 47 percent overall (27-58), 33 percent on 3’s (7-21) and 74 percent at the line (14-19). Waldorf finished the game shooting 49 percent overall (28-57), 33 percent on 3’s (7-21) and 79 percent on free throws (19-24).
The two teams have now split the season series as Valley City State defeated Waldorf University 91-79 in the first conference meeting back on Jan. 17 in Forest City, Iowa.
Up next: Valley City State is on the road next weekend for games at Bellevue University (Friday) and Dakota State University (Saturday). Waldorf University is back at home next weekend hosting Presentation College (Friday) and Mayville State (Saturday).
(Photo Courtesy VCSU Athletics/Hannah Anderson)