Feb. 11, 2006

The Dana men’s basketball team got a much needed win Saturday afternoon in Blair.  Dana broke a five-game losing streak by defeating Nebraska Wesleyan 93-83.

Mark Esser (SR Woodbine, Iowa) put in the first basket of the game.  Dana shot nearly 60 percent from the field in the first half and by halftime held a 47-36 lead.

The Vikings stayed about 10 points ahead of the Prairie Wolves until the eight minute mark when three scoreless minutes allowed a Nebraska Wesleyan comeback to erupt.  The Prairie Wolves even took the lead.  But Dana scrambled back with the help of free throw shots to tie the game at 76 with 4:25 to go.  Then it was the Prairie Wolves who were scoreless for three minutes as Dana went on to win. 

The Vikings scored 29 free throws to the Prairie Wolves 11.  Esser alone scored 14 free throws.

Esser had a big day.  He led the Vikings with 28 points and added 2 blocked shots to his career record which is nearing 200.

Jason Isaacson (SR Council Bluffs, Iowa) scored 27 points 6 assists.  Both Isaacson and Esser grabbed seven rebounds.  Ted Cox (Hawley, Minn.) was the leading rebounder with eight.

Dana out-rebounded NWU overall 42-25.

Dana moves to 6-10 in the GPAC and 12-16 overall.

The game was the final home game for 5 seniors: Tyler Mohr (Ocheyedan, Iowa), Rob Cox (Hawley, Minn.), Mark Svagera (Ralston, Neb.), Isaacson and Esser.  The seniors and their parents were honored before the game.
 
“The seniors have had a huge impact on the program.  We are losing not only great players, but also players with great character,” said Dana Head Coach Chris Fear.
 
The Vikings travel to Doane on Tuesday and Hastings on Saturday for the final regular season games.