The Dana College men’s basketball team struggled to win the rebounding battle against Nebraska Wesleyan on Wednesday evening.  The Prairie Wolves downed the Vikings 68-55.

The Vikings (5-6) managed only six offensive rebounds 16 defensive boards against the Prairie Wolves on Wednesday evening.  Despite the 36-22 rebounding margin, the Vikings took a two point lead as the first half ended.

The Vikings also struggled from the floor in the first half as they managed to shoot 35 percent from the floor.  Dana trailed by as many as six points in the first half.  Gabe Bross (JR, Omaha, NE) scored seven of his nine points in the final nine minutes of the first half to help Dana take the lead.

The lack of rebounding came back to haunt the Vikings in the second half as Prairie would get several second chance looks.  Dana failed to take advantage of their free throws as well.  The Vikings hit only four of 14 free throws in the final period.  Nebraska Wesleyan came out hot in the second half and shot a blazing 67 percent of the field (57 percent from three point range).

Injuries over the past few games have hurt the Vikings front court.  Dana played without leading scorer and rebounder Eric Maassen (JR, Hancock, IA) and Jon Person (JR, Olathe, KS).

Zach Genant (JR, Springfield, SD) had a career high 20 points on seven of nine shooting, he was also six of seven from three point land.  Sean Johnson (SO, Council Bluffs, IA) had four steals and dished out six assists. 

Dana will be on the road on Saturday against Peru State.  The Bobcats are 2-7 on the year.  Dana defeated Peru State 76-68 on October 31 in Blair.  The Vikings will return home on December 5 against GPAC-rival Hastings College with an 8:00pm tip-off.

For More Information, please contact:
Shad Beam, Sports Information Director, 402-426-7389 or sbeam@dana.edu