DES MOINES, IOWA—The Grand View men's basketball team hosted Faith Baptist Bible College on Monday evening. The night was dedicated to those battling illness, including the children of former Vikings players. The Vikings excelled beyond the arc, defeating the Eagles 123-67.

The Grand View Vikings took control early, with Joe Knutson and Jaxson Young setting the tone for an efficient offense and jumping to a quick 6-0 lead. Faith Baptist Bible responded with a three-pointer from Andy Hecker, but Grand View maintained momentum with strong inside play and rebounding. Young dominated in the paint with layups assisted by Ayden Foster, pushing the Vikings to a 12-5 advantage. Faith Baptist tried to stay close through Mason Gorsh's three-point shooting, but Grand View continued to build their lead with perimeter shots from Knutson and Patrick Worrell.

A dunk by Matthew Boldt and a three-pointer from Josh Sanderson stretched the Vikings' lead to double digits, but Faith Baptist's shooting kept the game within reach. Still, Grand View's defense and ability to capitalize on turnovers helped them hold a steady 7-9 point advantage, closing the half up 35-28.

In the second half, Grand View came out strong, with Ayden Foster scoring back-to-back baskets to stretch the lead beyond 30 points. The Vikings' defense forced multiple turnovers, keeping Faith Baptist struggling to close the gap. Jaxson Young added a three-point play and layup, while Knutson and Connor Robertson chipped in to extend the lead. Foster's defensive stops and assists, along with Young's three-pointer, further solidified their control.

Despite attempts by Faith Baptist to rally, including a three-pointer from Seth Freeman, they couldn't keep pace. Contributions from Ofer Sirkis, Josh Sanderson, Matthew Boldt, and Jackson Green kept Grand View's lead near 40 points, sealing the game. Luke Hart's late layup capped a commanding performance as Grand View secured a decisive victory, 123-67.
 
GAME NOTES

• Grand View shot an impressive 67.1% from the field and 60.0% from beyond the arc.
• Jaxson Young led the Vikings with 22 points, hitting 9 of 11 shots, including 2 of 3 three-pointers.
• Ayden Foster contributed 14 points on 5 of 6 shooting, along with four rebounds and five assists.
• The Vikings scored 50 points in the paint and converted 23 points off turnovers.
• Grand View's bench added significant support with 69 points.
• The team held a dominant 59-point lead late in the second half.
• The Vikings dominated in the paint, scoring 50 points to Faith Baptist Bible's 22.

UP NEXT 
Grand View University will hit the road this weekend for the first time this season. The Vikings are set to open the Uphaus Classic, hosted by MidAmerica Nazarene University, on Friday, November 8th, at 6:00 p.m. against Missouri Baptist University. They will then face a quick turnaround, taking on No. 3 Indiana Wesleyan on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. in the Cook Center.