ASHLAND, Wis. – The Bethany Vikings (16-4, 9-2) continued their winning streak by defeating Northland College (1-18, 0-11) on Saturday by a final score of 88-69. The Vikings have won seven games in a row, beating conference opponents by an average of just over 21 points per game.
 
The Lumberjills jumped out to a 5-0 lead before Haley Sandin gave the Vikings their first points with a driving layup. Northland responded with a three-pointer to take a 10-2 lead after two minutes of play. The Vikings found their footing and took their first lead of the game after a three from Brooke Henning and a layup by Abby Olson. Bethany and Northland traded baskets for the remainder of the first quarter with Bethany leading 25-22 after ten minutes of play. The second quarter was tight early on, but the Vikings took control of the game around the four minute mark. At the half, Bethany held a 48-36 lead over Northland. Abby Olson and Haley Sandin combined for 25 points in the first half. As a team, the Vikings shot 47.4% from the field in the first half and they were 4-9 from behind the arc.
 
The Vikings maintained their double-digit lead in the third quarter and led by as many as 18 points after a pair of free throws from Haley Sandin. The Lumberjills continued to battle the Vikings despite trailing most of the game and cut the lead down to eight points with less than four minutes remaining. The Vikings finished the game on a 13-2 run, winning by a final score of 88-69.
 
Haley Sandin finished with 22 points for the Vikings and was 9-10 at the free throw line. Abby Olson put up 20 points for Bethany with five assists and zero turnovers. Emily Skrien gave the Vikings 13 points off the bench and was 3-6 from behind the arc and Hanna Geistfeld recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Bethany shot 45.2% from the floor overall and was 8-21 from three-point range. The Vikings made 24 of 32 free throws and grabbed an impressive 19 offensive rebounds.
 
Up Next: The Vikings travel to Northwestern for a tough road game on Wednesday, January 31. Northwestern currently sits one game back of the Vikings in the UMAC standings. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM.
 
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MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dan DeWitt at 507-344-7856 or email ddewitt@blc.edu