UV’s 4th quarter grind earns comeback win over Delhi

OTSELIC – After the visiting Cincinnatus team held a two point lead at halftime, the Otselic Valley Vikings came alive, controlling both ends of the floor on their way to a 55-42 league win over the Lions.

Vikings head coach Jacob Preston stated that Cincinnatus was much improved from the first meeting between the two teams. “[Cincinnatus] kept themselves in the game in the first half with some good defense,” said Preston.

In fact, the Lions out scored OV in the second quarter 11-8 to take a two point lead into halftime.

However, the second half was all Vikings as their offense improved and their defensive steals created opportunities to score at the other end of the floor. Over the course of the 16 minutes played in the second half, Otselic Valley held a 34-19 advantage.

Also aiding in the win was the Vikings rebounding effort, pulling in a team total 29 rebounds in the contest. OV’s Justin Graham led in the stat column for the team, grabbing 11 off the glass in the win.

“This was one of our best rebound efforts we have had all year,” Preston said. “We look to continue our ways when we play at home on Friday against Poland.”

Lane Adams of Otselic Valley was the game’s high scorer with 19 points, 15 coming from behind the 3-point line.

Garrett Wood added 12 points for the Vikings but Wood’s biggest contribution came in assists and steals as he dished out four with four takeaways. Dakota Adams continued to elevate his game this season, finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds.

Graham added three points to his rebound total and added three assists to his statline.

The Vikings game with Poland is slated for a 7 p.m. start time.

Oteslic Valley 55, Cincinnatus 42

Cincy 12 11 9 10 – 42

OV 13 8 16 18 – 55

Cincinnatus: Cason Staffor 6 4-16; Trent Streichert 2 2-9; Scott Schyler 2 0-5; Jacob Smith 2 0-4; Nolan Rice 2 0-5; Josh Smith 1 1-3. TOTALS: 16 7-42.