The Vikings battled 23rd ranked McLennan hard, but ultimately fell short as the Highlanders came away with a 83-57 win on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
After a scoreless first minute, Gelonni Ervin drove the lane and put the Vikings on the board with a shot from the paint. He was fouled in the process, but missed the free throw. The Highlanders of McLennan went on a 13-0 scoring run over the next three minutes to take a 13-2 lead. The Vikings came right back with a Caleb Alcineus to cut the deficit to eight. After a defensive stop, Jordan Williams drove the lane and finished with a floater to cut the deficit to six. Five straight points from McLennan made it a 20-9 deficit, but a Julian Greer three quickly cut it back to single digits. After a highlander basket, Judah Peña hit a three and Gelonni Ervin finished at the rim and the Vikings pulled within five points; 22-17 with just over nine minutes remaining in the first half. 
Out of the timeout, McLennan went on an 11-5 scoring run over the next six minutes to put the Vikings back facing a double digit deficit. Peña responded with another three and Greer sank a pair of free throws late in the half to draw the Vikings within 42-30 at the half.
The Vikings continued to battle in the second half, but the deficit was too much to overcome as the Highlanders came away with the victory.
Alcineus le the way with 14 points, Greer added 13 points and Judah Peña contributed a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The Vikings will hit the road on Saturday, Jan. 24 (weather permitting) to take on the Coyotes of Weatherford. Tip-off is set for 4pm.