Vikings Win at Home

Blair, Nebraska ~ The Dana College Men’s Basketball team stopped its five game losing streak Tuesday night.  The Vikings overcame a two-point halftime deficit to defeat Briar Cliff 69-64.

The first half saw the two teams exchange the lead six times.  Dana at one point of the first half had a six point lead on consecutive three-pointers from AJ Arkfeld (FR, Harlan, IA) and Teddy Cox (SR, Hawley, MN).  Cold first half shooting allowed the Chargers to creep back into the game.  Ian Banks of Briar Cliff hit a running three pointer as the first half ended.

Dana was not fazed by giving up a last second three-pointer to end the half.  The Vikings came out and controlled the defensive glass.  The Vikings held Briar Cliff to just 30 points in the second half and allowed very few second chance baskets.  Dana also held a huge rebounding advantage in the second half.

Free throw shooting played a huge factor in the Dana win.  The Vikings were 16 of 24 from the charity strip, while Briar Cliff shot only nine of 21.  Dana also held a 47-36 rebound advantage.

Jared Kitzelman (SR, Fremont, NE) was the leading scorer for the Vikings with 14 points.  Ted Cox was the only other Viking in double digits with 13 points.  Cox also dished out four assists and pulled down four rebounds.  Doug Huston (SO, Olathe, KS) continued his solid point guard play by dishing out five assists and earning six defensive rebounds. Zeb Christensen (SR, State Center, IA) was a force to deal with inside for Dana.  Christensen had eight points, a blocked shot, and six rebounds.  Freshman AJ Arkfeld was a spark off the bench Tuesday night.  Arkfeld pulled down three rebounds and had four assists in 13 minutes.

“We played a good defensive game tonight,” commented Coach Chris Fear.  “It was good to win one of these close games.”

The win improves Dana’s record to 2-6 on the season and moved them to 1-2 in GPAC play.  The Vikings will travel to Peru State on Thursday for a 7:30 tip-off.  The Viking will resume their trek through the GPAC on Saturday as they travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The start time against Sioux Falls has been moved back to 6:00pm.