DES MOINES, IA- The Vikings bounced back this from this weekend as they took care of business against the Pirates. With big time scoring help from Markell Hood and Jacob Koontz, both with 21 points, the Vikings picked up their 9th conference win of the season with a score of 83-68. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 
The Vikings got off to a slow start as they fell behind 4-0 before Koontz connected on back to back layups to tie the game. Hood would soon check into the game and hit three quick three pointers to put the Vikings up 6 points with just over 12 minutes to play and forced a Pirates timeout to try and reset. He wouldn't stop their as Noah Hart would pick up a steal and find Hood streaking down the court for a fast break score leading to three point opportunity at the line. The Vikings would continue to grow their lead throughout the first half before Cecil Lee hammered down a dunk to push the vikings up 16 with under 4 minutes to play. The Pirates would convert an and-one play in the final 90 seconds to cut the lead to 19 as the teams headed to the locker room with the Vikings in control 45-26. Hood led the way with 14 points on 75% shooting from beyond the arc. 

The Pirates would pick up a few quick baskets in the early moments of the second half before Connor Robertson would connect on a pair pf layups and a free throw to keep the Vikings lead at a healthy distance. The Vikings defense would stand tall over the next few minutes as they didn't allow a basket in over two minutes and were able to stretch their lead out to 21 points off a Robertson 3 pointer. Down the stretch the game got chippy as the Pirates tried to extend the game but the Vikings took care of business as they hit 11-16 of their second half free throws to help seal the win. Robertson had a productive second half as he had 10 points and went a perfect 3-3 from the charity stripe capping off a 83-68 Viking win. 

GAME NOTES:

• Grand Views bench was more productive as they outscored park 27-13 
• The Vikings ran all over the court as they had 14 fast break points
• Forced 12 turnovers and collected 8 steals 
• Produced 20 assists on 32 made shots and only had 14 turnovers 
• Hart led the team with 8 assists and only one turnover 
• Cecil Lee was the defensive anchor with 3 blocked shots, including a block on an attempted dunk 

WHAT'S NEXT? The Vikings will be back in Dave Sisam Arena this Saturday with a showdown against Culver-Stockton College. The Vikings are looking to avenge a 2 point loss to the Wildcats earlier this season. Tip off is set for 4PM.