The Vikings last took the home court Jan. 7 against Carroll University. The Pioneers proved to be too much for the Vikings as they fell 88-64. As a team, Carroll shot 60 percent from three-point land, with nine in the first half compared to Lawrence’s 20-percent three-point shooting percentage. At half time the Pioneers led the Vikings 42-31.
In the second half, Carroll went on a 16-7 run, from which Lawrence was unable to come back. Junior John Hoch led Carroll, who had a game high of 27 points.
In addition to problems with the three-pointers, the Vikings only shot 36 percent from the free-throw line and were 0-5 in the first half. Senior Chris Page led the Vikes in points, racking up 17.
Over winter break, the Vikings traveled to California where they compiled a 1-1 record. Their first stop landed them in Pasadena where they defeated the Beavers of Cal-Tech 96-55. Seniors Jayce Applegren and Ryan Kroeger, along with junior John Dekker, led the Vikings, with each recording 13 points.
Dekker also finished with a game high and career high of seven steals. Sophomore Jon Mays also scored 10 points, his career high. Freshmen David Bremner and T.J. Crowns also scored their first points of their LU careers.
After defeating the Beavers, LU found themselves taking on the Kingsmen of Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Kroeger’s effort of 23 points was not enough to generate a win as the Vikings lost 85-65.
The Vikings played a great first half and led 37-32 at the break. However, in the second half, the Vikings could not get anything to fall as they shot only nine of 35 from the field and were outscored by 25 points.
The Vikings were in action again Jan. 13 at Beloit, winning 79-41. They then have two more road games against Monmouth and Lake Forest before returning home Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. when they take on Grinnell at Alexander Gym.
Men’s Basketball Sputters Against Carroll
