The men’s basketball team had a slight chance of clinching a berth in the conference tournament last weekend; however, after a 66-55 loss to St. Norbert College last Saturday, the Vikings’ season came to an end.
A large amount of Vikings fans made the trip to De Pere to cheer on the Vikings in the clash against the conference-leading Green Knights (18-5, 14-4 MWC). As a result the Vikings played an inspired first half of basketball, going into the locker room tied 29-29.
The Vikings did not have similar success in the second half of the game, as their offense stalled and they were never able to gain a lead. Although the Vikings’ defense intensified as well in the second half, it was only a matter of time before the Green Knights pulled away from the exhausted Vikings.
Tyler Crisman hit a huge three pointer on a Jon Mays assist with 9:05 seconds remaining in order to keep the game within five points, but an 11-0 run by the Green Knights resulted in a 55-39 deficit with 4:15 left to play. Lawrence was unable to pull within 10 points for the remainder of the contest.
Mays led the Vikings with 17 points while Crisman and Burgess added 11 each in the Vikings’ final outing of the season.
With the season over the Vikings now look to the future, as they will return a number of young talented players that hope to return the Vikings to the dominance they once displayed in conference play.
Regardless of the team’s future success without them, seniors Erik Borresen and Mays will be greatly missed in years to come, as they both provided leadership with their personalities and strong play throughout their four years with the team.