Vikings Lose Heartbreaker in Waning Moments

The Dana College men's basketball team looked to become victorious for the first time this year in conference play, as they played host to the 9th ranked Hastings College Broncos. 

 The game got off to a fast start for both teams as Dana jumped out to an early 10-9 lead.  The Vikings extended their lead to 30-16 with 7 minutes left to play in the first half. At halftime, the Vikings led the Broncos 39-28. Dana shot the ball very well in the first half shooting 57% from the field, and 50% from three-point range Eric Maassen (JR, Hancock, IA) led all scorers at halftime with 10 points.  
            Dana continued to shoot the ball extremely well to open the second half gaining their biggest lead of the night 47-29.  The Broncos tried to cut into the lead, but the Vikings continued to answer.  With 10 minutes to go in the game, the Vikings had a 60-47 lead.  Hastings continued to stay aggressive as they drove the ball into the paint making easy baskets.  Dana saw its lead slip away as the score was tied at 65, with 1 minute to play.  After each team missed a basket the Broncos' Cory Fehringer drove the ball hard to the basket and was fouled.  He made both of his foul shots and Hastings had the lead for the first time since the opening minutes of the first half.  The Vikings were unable to answer, and forced to foul the rest of the way.  The Broncos ended the game on a 16-0 run over the final 6 minutes of the game.  The final score was Hastings 71, Dana 65. The Vikings fell to 6-7 overall and 0-3 in conference play.
            In the loss there were many bright spots for the Vikings as three players finished in doubled figures.  Gabe Bross (JR, Omaha, NE) had 12 points and four rebounds. Trent Mumma (SR, Bennington, NE) finished the game with 13 points and 4 rebounds, while Eric Maassen had a team high 14 points and 5 assists.
            The next game for the Vikings will be Saturday Dec. 8 when the Vikings travel to Sioux City, IA to take on 2nd ranked Morningside College.  Tip-off is set for 4 pm.

For complete stats:

http://www.dana.edu/mens_basketball/stats0708/hasdanm.htm

For more information, please contact:  Shad Beam, Sports Information Director at 402-426-7389 or sbeam@dane.edu.

Story written by:  TJ Bartels, SID Intern