The Lawrence University men’s basketball team took advantage of a run in the first half, and controlled the tempo in the second half for an 89-79 victory over Beloit Saturday evening. Neither the Vikings nor the Buccaneers were able to pull away early as both teams played good defense. With 12:02 remaining in the first half, the game was tied at thirteen. That would be the last time Beloit would see the score so close. LU immediately went on a 19-3 run over the next six minutes of the game, and after a Jason Hollinbeck three-pointer, took a 32-16 lead.
But the Buccaneers were not to be shut down. Under the leadership of senior forward Henry Grant, Beloit closed to 41-36 at the half. The Vikings shot well in the first half, making 57 percent of their shots. Beloit was not nearly as good, making only 34 percent.
The second half began with a quick LU run, and for the rest of the game Lawrence controlled the tempo. Beloit could get no closer than eight, as Lawrence kept the Buccaneers at bay. Beloit was ice cold from behind the arc, shooting only twelve percent.
Meanwhile Lawrence was a blistering 57 percent for three-point range. The Vikings played well down the stretch and left Beloit with an 89-79 victory.
The Vikings were led yet again by freshman guard Hollinbeck. He ended up with a career high 33 points, 24 of them scored on three-pointers. Senior forward Ryan Gebler also aided the Vikings, as he finished with sixteen points. The Vikings will end their season Saturday afternoon at Ripon.