DES MOINES, IOWA - Grand View played one final game to cap off 2023 before entering the New Year. The Vikings hosted the Lakers of Roosevelt University out of Chicago. The Vikings moved to 2-0 versus the Lakers all-time as they escaped after a strong second half with an 86-75 win.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 
The Lakers managed to find the basket first, but Cleao Murray split for a fast break lay-in to put things at two. The two would trade points for the majority of the first half until the Vikings connected on a three-pointer from Lauren Conrey to hold a five-point advantage.

The second quarter was the Viking's shortcoming of the contest, as the Lakers outscored them 22-18. The rebound competition would be an attribute to the Lakers' strong second quarter as they pulled in nine to the Vikings' three. However, the Vikings collected two fast break lay-ups from a duo of Vikings. That was followed by a free throw from Conrey. The Vikings led by a nil one-point lead as they headed into the third quarter up 40-39.  
 
The Vikings received a boost from Ellie Rengstorf a few moments into the third quarter as they trailed early; Rengstorf's step-through brought her team back within four points. A three-in-transition for Cleao Murray served as the equalizer for the Vikings as they tied things at 48s with just five minutes remaining until the fourth quarter. A 7-2 Grand View run would maintain their four-point lead as they entered the final quarter.  
 
The Vikings took control early in their game-high-scoring quarter. The Vikings capitalized on a Lake turnover as Murray quickly scored four straight to give GVU a 12-point lead. The Vikings kept their lead in double-digits as that fizzled out the Laker's chance at an upset. Cruising to their final win of 2023 and their final non-conference match-up by a score of 86-75, advancing to 13-1 overall.

GAME NOTES: 

• The Vikings are 2-0 versus the Lakers all-time with Friday's win.
• Anna Gossling scored a career-high 25 points on 10-12 shooting.
• The Vikings trailed by as much as nine points in the 2^nd quarter, before finding a run.

 WHAT'S NEXT?
Grand View will open 2024 with their biggest test yet this season. The Vikings host the Pride of Clarke University in a square-off of the top two teams in the Heart of America. The highly anticipated contest will tip off at 5:30 p.m. on January 2^nd.