VALLEY CITY,  ND (NewsDakota.com)  The key to riding a wave is getting on top of it, and staying there.

The Vikings did a lot of surfing, but rode the wave to their third win.

Valley City State responded to giving up the first 10 points of the game by building a 24-point lead, then hung on as it fell to five, eventually winning an 85-78 decision over Briar Cliff at the W. E. Osmon Fieldhouse Thursday night.

After being outscored 10-0 following the tip, the Vikings forced 15 Charger turnovers in the first half, and led by 11 at the break.

Shaheed Muhammad hit a key three- pointer to put the Vikings up by 22 early in the second half, but the Chargers fought back with three-point shooting of their own and renewed defense that kept the Vikings at bay, trimming the lead to five with just under five minutes to play.

VCSU answered with breaking Charger trapping pressure to maintain the lead, hanging on to win the game.

Always Nywesh led the Vikings with 20 points, also co-leading the team with five rebounds.  Oder Olange added 17, which included 8-10 from the foul line.

Tyrel Creger added 15, with Jayden Patcha knocked in 13.  Jamison Helmerd led all scorers with 23 for the Chargers.   Matt Stilwill added 21 points and 10 boards.

The Vikings next action is Wednesday hosting Minnesota-Morris.