V-HAWKS BASKETBALL ON THE RISE
Viterbo V-Hawks mens basketball team (13-11) is on the rise this season, with an impressive record of 10-3 at home. Last year the V-Hawks had a record of 13-17 for the season, including 5-7 at home and 7-9 away. With 13 wins under the team's belt already in the season, they are already on track to blow last year's record away.
Since 2017 began, the V-Hawks have faced 8 opponents, winning 5 of those games. This started off with a home game against Presentation College (7-8) when the V-Hawks had a record of just over .500. The V-Hawks started off the first half of the game with intensity and a great offense, scoring 36 points, as opposed to Presentation, who only put up 22 points in the first half. The V-Hawks got caught up in a tough second half, but still won 73-63 as the first win of 2017.
Next, the V-Hawks (10-8) played Dickinson State University (10-7) at home. They pulled off yet another win after the close-scoring game by holding the lead and not letting up. The game ended 73-66 as the V-Hawks third win in a row.
This winning streak continued against Silver Lake College (3-15), where the V-Hawks (11-8) had an amazing game. Silver Lake scored 18 points in the first half but the V-Hawks managed to double that, ending the first half 36-18. The V-Hawks did not give up or give in to Silver Lake College and continued to score throughout an impressive second half. VU scored 55 points and held Silver Lake to a mere 19 points, ending the game 91-37.
The V-Hawks (12-8) continued their winning streak against Mayville State University (6-10). Although the game had a slow start, Viterbo pulled ahead in the first half with 26 points, just ahead of the Comets who scored 21. Both teams picked up the pace in the second half, but the Comets couldn't catch up to the V-Hawks, with the game ending 67-57 as Viterbo's fifth win in a row.
VU (13-8) faced the Martin Luther Knights (1-15) and won their sixth game in a row. The V-Hawks dominant first half made up for falling behind a little in the second half, ending the game with another win 91-69. During this game, the V-Hawks went an impressive 17 for 18 for free throws which was a season best percentage.
The past three games have ended the winning streak for the V-Hawks, where they fell 57-74 against Bellevue University (15-7), 52-92 to Dickinson State University (17-7), and 82-65 against University of Jamestown (13-12). Although the past few games have been tough losses for the V-Hawks, there are still five games left in the season to pick up the pace again and end strong.
Viterbo's impressive progress and power this season is something for competing teams to fear. Watch the V-Hawks play Valley City State University at the VAC at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 3 or cheer them on at the VAC for Homecoming on Saturday, February 4 at 6:00 p.m. against Dakota State University!