DES MOINES, IA - Grand View Men's Basketball took on No. 12 Baker University on the road in a competitive contest that saw an impressive first-half shooting performance from the Vikings. However, despite their early lead, Grand View ultimately fell to the Wildcats, 75-61.

The game started with a bang as Jackson Green hit a three-pointer off an assist from Jaxson Young. Defensive pressure from Joe Knutson led to a steal that turned into a jumper from Ayden Foster. Layups from Patrick Worrell, Foster, and Green helped extend the Vikings' lead to nine points early on. Baker responded with five quick points, but Grand View answered with a three-pointer from Connor Robertson, set up by a steal from Young and an assist from Foster. Robertson continued to shine, adding a jumper and another three-pointer from Young's pass. Though the Wildcats fought back to even the score with their fast-paced offense, the Vikings kept the pressure on. Matthew Boldt added a layup from Young's assist, and Young scored a layup of his own. Robertson's hot hand from behind the arc put the Wildcats back in the lead, but a Baker run left the Vikings trailing by four. However, Foster's layup, created by a steal from Gavyn Strand, combined with a Green three-pointer and a layup from Knutson, gave Grand View a slight advantage heading into halftime. Robertson led all scorers with 11 points, while Green chipped in 10. Young tallied five assists and three steals.

In the second half, the Vikings struggled to maintain their momentum. The Wildcats tied the game at 42-42 with just under 15 minutes left, and Green responded with another three-pointer, assisted by James Ogrodnik. However, Baker's defensive pressure and a scoring run midway through the half gave them the upper hand, and the Vikings were forced to play catch-up for the remainder of the game. A jumper from Ogrodnik pulled Grand View to within four points, but Robertson's offensive rebound and jumper stretched the lead back to six. Contributions from Young and Green rounded out Grand View's scoring, but the Vikings ultimately fell short, 75-61.

GAME NOTES

• Jackson Green led with 17 points, shooting 3-for-9 from deep.
• Connor Robertson finished with 15 points, shooting 5-for-6 from the field and 3-for-4 from three-point range, along with 4 rebounds.
• Ayden Foster added 10 points and 3 rebounds.
• Jaxson Young grabbed a team-high 6 rebounds, dished out 5 assists, and recorded 3 steals.
• In the first half, the Vikings shot 59.26% from the field and 62.50% from behind three-point range.

UP NEXT
The Vikings will face Truman State University in an exhibition matchup that will take place in Kirksville, Missouri on Tuesday, December 17^th, at 3:00 p.m.