Vikings Bounce Lancers

The Dana College Men’s Basketball team snapped a two game losing streak on Saturday afternoon against Mt. Marty College.  The Vikings used a 16-4 run to start the game to fuel its 80-56 victory.

Eric Maassen (JR, Hancock, IA) and Gabe Bross (JR, Omaha, NE) hit baskets to give the Vikings an early 4-0 lead.  Dana received scoring help from the bench in the early part of the game as Trent Albers (SR, Davenport, NE), Nate Thies (SR, Norfolk, NE), and Zach Genant (JR, Springfield, SD) added baskets.  Jon Person (JR, Olathe, KS) sank a jumper with 3:00 minutes remaining to give the Vikings their largest lead of the first half 32-16.  The Lancers forced the Vikings into two turnovers in the closing seconds on the half and drew within 34-23 at the half.

The Vikings would not let this game slip away.  Doug Huston (JR, Olathe, KS) drained a three pointer to put Dana up 49-30 with 14:30 left in the game.  Dana continued to use the three point shot to maintain their lead.  AJ Arkfeld (SO, Harlan, IA) hit a three pointer with 9:05 remaining to give Dana a 60-38 lead.  The Vikings continued to stretch their lead as the game drew to a close.  Senior Nate Thies hit his first three pointer of the season to put Dana up by 26 points with 90 seconds remaining.  Mt. Marty hit two free throws to end the game at 80-56.

Eric Maassen had a monster game for the Vikings by scoring 23 points, pulling down seven rebounds, and blocking two shots.  AJ Arkfeld and Sean Johnson (SO, Council Bluffs, IA) each had eight points in the win.  Doug Huston dished out six assists to go with his five points on the day. 

The Vikings are now 11-14 overall and 4-9 in GPAC play.  Dana will host Doane College on Wednesday night at 8:00pm.  Dana lost to Doane 93-90 in double overtime earlier this season.

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