The Vikings opened the 2009-10 Midwest Collegiate Conference campaign at home Wednesday night at Saint Ambrose University. The Vikings (11-2, 1-0 MCC) followed up their convincing victory over Faith Baptist with a 67-59 defeat of the Bees. Despite only shooting 37 percent from the floor, Grand View was able to get defensive stops in the final four minutes to gain their first conference victory of the season.
A short jump shot with 10 minutes remaining in the first half by senior Grant Burns gave the Vikings their largest lead of the night at eleven points. Saint Ambrose battled back to take a one point lead with just under five minutes remaining after two free throws from Chris Donnelly. Grand View finished the half with a 6-0 run to take 31-26 lead into the locker room.
The second half saw both teams trade baskets until Saint Ambrose's Justin Tiner drained a three-pointer to tie the score at 44-44. Grand View scored on the following possession when senior Dan Brandhorst drove in for a lay-up. The score went back and forth for the rest of the second half. With just under three minutes remaining and the Vikings holding onto a two point lead, senior Matt Banzhaf stole a pass from Saint Ambrose's Mike Kennedy. Following a time out by the Vikings, senior Greg Schulz got a great look at a three-pointer from the top of the key. Schulz's three did not connect, but junior Bryant Kucera was able to secure the offensive rebound. Burns was fouled following the offensive rebound and sank both free throws to secure the victory for the Vikings.
The Vikings were led in scoring by Corey Viet with 17 points. Viet was a perfect 11-for-11 at the charity stripe. Other Vikings in double figures were Greg Schulz with 11 and Bryant Kucera with 12 points. Kucera provided a spark for the Vikings finishing the night 4-of-6 from the field and 2-of-4 from behind the arc. Grand View was led in rebounding was once again by senior guard Matt Banzhaf with a game-high 11 rebounds.
The Vikings travel to #24 William Penn University Saturday afternoon for a showdown of MCC pre-season favorites. The Statesmen won their first conference game against Iowa Wesleyan Wednesday night 93-62. The Vikings and Statesmen will tip-off at 3 p.m. following the women's game.
