V-Hawks Basketball Season Comes to an End
On February 23, 2017, Viterbo University (18-12) matched up with Dakota State University (16-15)I n the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) Quarterfinals at home. Although the V-Hawks were on a hot streak with five wins in a row, they lost steam against the Dakota State University Trojans.
Viterbo had a slow start against the Trojans and could not seem to make key shots during the game. There were many opportunities to score, but the V-Hawks struggled to sink them. The first half ended with a 13 point deficit for Viterbo who trailed 24-37 against the Trojans. The V-Hawks hit only 39 percent of their shots as a team whereas Dakota State University managed to sink over 42 percent.
Although Viterbo was behind in the first half, they picked up their pace and scored 28 points in the second half. The Trojans held onto their lead at the end of the second half when they were ahead three points and sunk another three-pointer. With their lead secured, the V-Hawks slowed down and couldn’t manage to pick back up. The Trojans scored only 19 in the second half, but their strong lead throughout the first half carried over to win them the game 56-52 against Viterbo.
Seniors Jake Bamke and Erik Engelstad dominated throughout the game and were huge contributors to Viterbo’s offense. Bamke scored a team high of 16 points during the game, followed by Engelstad with an impressive 10 as well. Engelstad got a season high of 15 rebounds during the game as well, helping the V-Hawks make a comeback in the second.
Bamke earned a College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-District Honor this year, for the second year in a row, by maintaining a high cumulative grade point average (3.88) and competing in the majority of the team’s games. Engelstad has also earned academic honors and was recognized as an NAIA Scholar-Athlete last year for the 2015-2016 season.
The V-Hawks ended their season with an 18-12 record and were 12-4 at home, which is the best VU basketball record in over 10 years. Although Bamke and Engelstad are graduating this year, the V-Hawks should compete well next year with other impressive players including Ethan Habermann, Jared Fleischmann, Austin Poehls Cade Anderson and others.