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(Chris Allen/Democrat-News)
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The Vikings faltered down the stretch in Friday's opener, a 79-75 loss to Mayville State (N.D.), but came back Saturday to cruise to a 77-52 victory over Dakota State (S.D.).
Senior Patrick McDermott scored 10 points as Valley jumped out to a 15-5 lead over the Comets, and were up by 12 points after senior Roc Rogers' lay-up with 9:40 left in the first half.
However, Mayville State closed the half with a 13-2 run, junior Jay Mercer hitting back-to-back three-pointers for a 39-36 edge at the break.
The Comets led most of the second half, but couldn't pull away. Senior Melvin Roberts got loose inside to give the Vikings their first lead of the period with 8:26 remaining and three free throws by senior Rouven Haenig put them ahead by three until senior Micah Berge drilled an outside jumper.
Roberts answered from the perimeter and Haenig scored down low as Valley surged back ahead, 63-58, with 6:19 to go. However, Mayville State went on a 13-4 tear over the next three minutes, Berge bombing twice.
The Vikings would pull to within two points three times down the stretch, the last when senior Bryant Porter sank three charity shots with six seconds left, but MSU made six straight from the line to seal the win.
Berge finished with 19 points on six-of-eight shooting from beyond the arc for the Comets (4-1).
Haenig have a game-high 23 points for Valley, which was out-shot from three-point range, 11-3.
Leading by seven points at halftime against Dakota State, the Vikings went on a 39-21 spree during the second half to keep the contest from becoming close.
The Trojans (1-2) got 12 points and seven rebounds from junior Bryce Snyder, but couldn't hang with Valley on the boards (36-29) or in shooting threes (11-5).
Haenig's 21 points led all scorers. Rogers had 14 points and five boards, McDermott scored 12 points and junior Cooper Trumbo chipped in with three treys.
The Vikings (1-1) will go to Davenport, Iowa, this weekend for the St. Ambrose Classic, taking on the host Fighting Bees in the Friday game.