VALLEY CITY – The Viking men shot 56 percent in the first half Wednesday night, jumping on top early as the VCSU men’s basketball team rolled to a big victory over Minnesota-Morris.
 
The Vikings opened up a 43-20 halftime lead en route to an 83-49 victory over the Cougars. VCSU shot 55 percent in the game and forced 21 turnovers that led to 28 points – including a trio of first-half breakaway dunks that set the tone for the game.
 
Valley City State improves its record to 2-1 overall. Wednesday’s game was an exhibition contest for Minnesota-Morris. The two teams will rematch Jan. 3 in Morris.
 
Four different Vikings scored in double figures as part of a balance offensive attack. Cleveland Bedgood led the way with a game-high 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting. It was the season debut for Bedgood, who missed the first weekend of action due to injury.
 
LaDarious Stanfield had 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals as a spark off the bench, and Lamar Grayson poured in 13 points off the bench. Odier Olange finished with 11 points on 5-for-7 shooting. VCSU had 13 different players take the court and 10 different players scored. Cayden Rickard and Jerome Washington both had a team-high 3 assists.
 
The Vikings shot 55 percent overall (34-62), 32 percent on 3’s (9-28) and 6-for-7 on free throws. Minnesota-Morris finished the game shooting 34 percent overall (18-53), 13 percent on 3’s (3-24) and 56 percent on free throws (10-18).
 
The Vikings held a 28-15 advantage in points off turnovers and a 48-27 advantage in paint scoring.
 
Kenny Placide led Morris with 11 points and six rebounds.
 
Up next: Valley City State is on the road for games against Mount Marty and Dakota Wesleyan this weekend. Saturday’s doubleheader against Mount Marty is being played at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D., while Sunday’s games are at Dakota Wesleyan in Mitchell, S.D.