LA CROSSE, WIS. – The Valley City State men’s basketball team was unable to keep up with the hot-shooting Viterbo V-Hawks Tuesday night as the Vikings’ season came to an end during the North Star Athletic Association Postseason Tournament quarterfinal round.
The No. 6-seeded Vikings lost their quarterfinal game at No. 3 seed Viterbo University, 90-69. The Vikings shot 56 percent on the road, but were unable to overcome even better shooting by Viterbo as the V-Hawks made 64 percent from the field and 58 percent from 3-point range Tuesday night.
Valley City State ends the season with a 9-20 overall record. Viterbo (15-13) advances to the NSAA Final Four this weekend in Watertown, S.D.
The Vikings scored on three of their first four possessions to hold an early 7-6 lead. Viterbo scored the next nine points to take the lead for good at 15-7 early in the game. The Vikings trailed by as many as 12 in the first half, 31-19, before putting together a 14-4 run. Five different Vikings scored during the stretch, including 3-pointers by Chris Thompson and Denzel Kennedy. Thompson’s 3-pointer from the right wing pulled the Vikings to within 35-33 with 2:12 left in the half. Viterbo responded with two big 3-pointers to end the half, taking a 41-33 lead into the locker room.
VCSU scored the first five points of the second half on baskets by Austin Lee and Kevin Schramm, closing to within 41-38. Viterbo then took control for good with a quick 14-2 run, taking a 55-40 lead with 15:06 to go. The Vikings could get no closer than 13 points the rest of the way.
Schramm led the Viking offense with 17 points on 7-for-8 shooting. Chris Thompson made three 3’s and totaled 16 points and five assists for VCSU. Logan Nelson and Connor Entzi each had eight points, and Austin Lee made two 3’s to finish with six points.
The Vikings shot 56 percent overall (27-48), 47 percent on 3’s (8-17) and went 7-for-12 on free throws. Viterbo shot even better though, finishing the game at 64 percent from the field (36-56), 58 percent from 3-point range (11-19) and 7-for-9 on free throws.
Noah Fredrickson totaled a game-high 21 points for the V-Hawks, while Jack Monis had a big game with 20 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Both teams committed 12 turnovers. Helped by their hot shooting, the V-Hawks held a 31-15 rebounding advantage, including an 8-1 edge in offensive rebounds.
Viterbo moves on to play No. 2 seed Mayville State in the tournament semifinals Saturday in Watertown.