Men's Basketball put together its most explosive game of the season to start the Heart Men's Basketball Championship Thursday night at home.
The (22) Ravens (19-5) scored a season-high in points, beating the Grand View University Vikings 99-75. The Ravens also knocked down 18 3-pointers, also a season-high.
The Ravens wasted little time getting rolling in the first half. After missing their first three 3-pointers, the Ravens rattled off nine treys in a row to help build a 53-34 halftime lead. The team was efficient thanks to strong ball movement knocking down open 3's or getting inside for close looks. The home squad shot 63.6% from the field and 64.7% from long range.
It wasn't just one player getting the work done, either. Nine different players scored in the opening half, and six of those players knocked down a 3-pointer.
The Vikings shot the ball well in the opening half, knocking down 53.8% from the field. However, the Ravens defense had active hands and recorded six steals. When the Vikings did miss, the Ravens didn't let them get a second chance. The Ravens out-rebounded GVU 18-6 in the first half and didn't allow a single Vikings offensive rebound.
The Ravens kept up the hot shooting in the second half, knocking down 7-of-13 3-pointers. The Vikings hung around for the first 10 minutes of the second half, getting within 15 points, but the Ravens answered quickly to extend their lead back to 23, punctuated by an Eric Krus 3-pointer.
The Ravens led by as many as 28 points before closing with a 24-point win.
Thursday's offensive outburst was the seventh-straight game the Ravens made double-digit 3s and the 17thtime this season. The team entered the game with the second-best 3-point shooting percentage in the NAIA at 42.5%, but Thursday's 60% shooting will raise that number.
Six different players scored in double figures, led by 24 points from Eric Krus. Nysir Scott scored 15 points, Matt Austin had 14, Chris Jackson and Jayden Temme each had 11, and Jaiden Bristol added 10 points. Bristol nearly recorded a triple-double, leading the team with eight rebounds, eight assists and four steals.
The Ravens will host Mount Mercy University in the Heart Men's Championship semifinals on Saturday afternoon back in Ralph Nolan Gym. The Mustangs advance to the game after beating Baker University in the quarterfinals. Check RavenAthletics.com for an update on the game time.
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