SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Yellowjacket men's basketball team were back home in the Mertz, taking on Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) rival Bethany Lutheran Friday. Over the last few years, the Yellowjackets and Vikings have put together entertaining ball games, drawing in large crowds from both institutions no matter who held home court advantage.
Friday evening was no different, as Mertz Mortorelli Gymnasium was filled with a combination of Viking and Yellowjacket faithful. Unfortunately for the 'Jackets, Bethany Lutheran took an early 13-2 lead in the first half and never let off the gas.
UWS was limited to just 13 points in the first half with strong defensive performances from Hunter Nielsen and Jax Madson. Despite scoring 34 points in the second half, the Yellowjackets would take the loss, 69-47.
Friday's result brings UWS to 10-6 overall with a 3-3 mark in conference play.
Game Notes
- Bethany Lutheran had the momentum from the start, as they leaned on Nielsen to spearhead their defensive efforts. He ended with his seventh double-double of the season, grabbing 16 boards and scoring 15.
- Former Yellowjacket Xavier Patterson capped his evening with 11 points and six rebounds, including four assists.
- UWS capped the first half with just 13 points, translating to 5-35 (14.3 percent) from the field.
- Out of the Yellowjacket starters, Andrew Kunelius (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia) led with seven points and rebounds. J'Vaun Walker (Rosharon, Texas/Manvel) followed with five points and four boards of his own.
- Head coach Greg Polkowski turned to his bench in the second half, who scored 20 points courtesy of Max Briggs (Woodbury, Minn./New Life Academy), Evan Bennett (Superior, Wis./Superior Senior), and Luke Fehrenbacher (Batavia, Ill./Batavia) along with four other Yellowjackets.
- The 'Jackets scored 14 points off Vikings turnovers in the second half of play.
- Bethany Lutheran finished with a team-52 rebounds, compared to the 'Jackets' 39.
- Despite the loss, the 'Jackets were perfect from the free-throw line, converting on all 11 chances.
The Yellowjackets are back in action Saturday, facing off against Martin Luther. Game time is slated for 4:45 p.m. inside the Mertz.
