DES MOINES, IOWA – Grand View University men's basketball team hosted the Peru State Bobcats in the final game of their homestand before hitting the road. After a tightly contested and methodical first half, the Vikings took advantage of the Bobcats' cold shooting in the second half, grinding out a hard-fought 61-54 victory.
Grand View and Peru State battled back and forth throughout the first half, with multiple lead changes keeping the game tight. The Vikings faced their largest deficit—a 7-point gap—just before the second media timeout, as the Bobcats dominated the boards. Peru State's seven offensive rebounds fueled critical second-chance opportunities, giving them a slight edge. At the end of the opening 20 minutes, the Bobcats held a narrow 30-28 lead over the Vikings.
The Vikings came out firing to start the second half, igniting an 11-0 run that set the tone for the remainder of the game. The Bobcats struggled to find their rhythm, failing to connect on their first basket of the half until nearly five minutes in.
Luke Hart knocked down three clutch free throws, pushing Grand View to their largest lead of the game. However, second-chance opportunities allowed Peru State to claw their way back within striking distance as the clock ticked down.
Despite the pressure, the Vikings maintained their composure in the final minutes. Key plays, including a fast-break layup from
Jackson Green and a pair of perfect free throws from Foster, sealed the 61-54 victory over the 3rd-ranked team in the Heart of America Conference.
Key performances across the board fueled Grand View's victory.
Ayden Foster delivered a double-double, leading the way with 18 points and 10 rebounds while shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Jackson Green chipped in 12 points, including two critical three-pointers, and grabbed six rebounds. The Vikings' bench also made a strong impact, contributing 19 points, highlighted by
Luke Hart's six points from four clutch free throws and
Ofek Sirkis' perfect 2-for-2 shooting performance. Despite struggling from beyond the arc, shooting just 15.4%, Grand View capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, finishing 86.7% as a team. Their dominance on the defensive boards, pulling down 31, helped limit Peru State's second-chance points to just four, sealing the 61-54 win.
GAME NOTES
- Grand View split the series last season against Peru, dropping the road game but securing the home victory.
- Foster recorded his first double-double of the season including 18 poits, and 10 rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Vikings now have a week to rest and regroup before hitting the road for their next challenge. They'll take on Graceland University on Wednesday, February 12th, with tip-off slated for 7:30 p.m.
