DES MOINES, IA- The Vikings welcomed the Statesmen of William Penn University to square off in another Heart of America Conference thriller. After a hard fought 40 minutes led by
Jacob Koontz and his 24 points the Vikings were able to surpass the Statesmen 107-89.
HOW IT HAPPENED: The Statesmen jumped out to a quick lead in the first few moments 7-2 before a flurry of Vikings baskets allowed the Vikings to take a 13-10 lead. The teams would keep trading baskets until
Isaiah Ervin splashed in a 3 pointer to send the teams to the media timeout with the Vikings up 2. The Vikings would stay on the gas as they would eventually build up a 6 point lead with 4 minutes left in the half. The Statesmen would crawl back into the game before
Markell Hood would hit a free throw to secure a 2 point lead going into half, 49-47. Koontz and Hood would both lead the way with 10 points in the first half.
The Second half would be all Vikings after the Statesmen would open up with a three pointer. Hood would help orchestrate a big Viking run as he would contribute 12 big points that grew the Viking lead to 17 points. The Statesmen wouldn't be deterred though as they would force a handful of Grand View turnovers to cut the lead back down to 5 points. But the Vikings 3 point shooting would seal the deal as they would force the Statesmen to over commit and then allow the Vikings to pound the rock inside capped off by a Koontz Dunk. Connor Robinson would help the Vikings cross the 100 point mark as he connected on a pair of late free throws. As the time wound down the Vikings would secure a major decision as they beat the Statesmen by 18 points with a final score of 107-89. The Vikings would shoot 58.6% from the 3 point line in the second half and collect 3 blocks to command the second half on both sides of the ball.
GAME NOTES:
- 5 Vikings scored in double figures
- Vikings hit 12 3-pointers, Noah Hart hit 3-4 from beyond the arc
- 28 of the 40 Viking baskets were assisted on
- Vikings pick up their first win over the Statesmen in 8 meetings dating back to 2019.
- Vikings Shot 60.6% from the field
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Vikings will be back in action as they square off against Central Methodist University on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff is set for 4:00PM in Sisam Arena.
