November 18, 2006

Vikings Fall at Home

Blair, NE— The men’s basketball team suffered their first conference loss of the season on Saturday afternoon.  Dana fell 60-55 to Hastings College on Saturday afternoon.

The first half saw both teams unable to find the bottom on the basket.  Hastings shot a miserable 32-percent from the field, but Dana was even colder on its home court with a 27.6-shooting percentage.  Dana was also hurt by their inability to knock down the three point shot.  The Vikings were 2 of 11 from behind the three point arc.  Rebounding was also an issue for the Vikings as they were out rebounded 23-15 in the half.  Despite their lack of rebounding and cold shooting, the Vikings did not turn the ball over and went into the locker room with a 25-22 lead.

“We struggled shooting through out the game,” said Head Coach Chris Fear.  “We had several open shots, but couldn’t get over the hump.”

The second half saw both teams find their shooting touch.  Dana improved to almost 41-percent from the field, but Hastings shot 50-percent.  The Broncos kept their rebounding advantage, but more importantly kept the Vikings off the offensive glass.  Dana maintained their turnover advantage, but was unable to maintain their halftime lead.

“Our rebounding today was not were it should be,” comment Coach Fear on Hastings 39-25 rebounding advantage.  “We were killed on the offensive glass.” 

The Vikings were led by Eric Maassen (SO, Hancock, IA) in scoring and rebounding.  Maassen scored 11 points and pulled down five rebounds.  Trent Mumma (JR, Bennington, NE) chipped in ten points.  Hastings clamped down on the Vikings leading scorer Teddy Cox (SR, Hawley, MN).  Cox was one of eight from the field and scored only three points on the evening.  Point guard Doug Huston (SO, Olathe, KS) dished out a team high five assists and turned the ball over only once in 30 minutes of play.  Zeb Christensen (SR, State Center, IA) continued his solid play by pulling down five rebounds.

“We continually put ourselves in a position to win,” said Coach Fear.  “We are good defensively, but we are waiting to turn the corner on the offensive side of the ball.”

Dana will continue its trek through the GPAC on Tuesday when they travel to Crete, Nebraska for a match-up with 4-1 Doane College.  The Vikings will return to its home hardwood after Thanksgiving break.  Dana will host Briar Cliff on November 28 with a tip off scheduled for 7:30pm.

For more information, contact:


Shad Beam, sports information director, (402) 426-7389, sbeam@dana.edu

— or —

Scott Guzinski, assistant Sports Information Director, (402) 426-7949, sguzinsk@dana.edu