A layup from Hill's Joshua Louis with 18 seconds left in the second half was the difference in a heartbreaking 63-60 loss for the Vikings on Saturday, Jan. 31.
The Vikings held a lead throughout much of the game, utilizing an 8-2 run in the first half to take a 28-20 lead. Denver Loli and Caleb Alcineus each had big three's to help Grayson build their largest lead in what was largely a back and forth first half. The Vikings took a 31-26 lead into the locker room at the half.
Judah Peña connected on a couple big three's in the second half to help Grayson maintain their lead. Hill cut it to one, but Alcineus answered with a three to push the lead back out to 58-54. After Hill scored five straight, Loli drove baseline and gave the Vikings the lead back at 60-59. Hill took the lead for good on the layup, drawing the foul and converting the and one opportunity. The Vikings had an opportunity to tie the game, but Julian Greer's three just missed.
Alcineus led the way with 16 points, Greer finished with 12 points and Peña had 10 points and nine rebounds. Gelonni Ervin was a force on the defensive end, finishing with four blocks to go along with eight points and eight rebounds.
The Vikings will remain on the road, taking on Weatherford on Monday, Feb. 2 in a game that was rescheduled from Jan. 25. Tip-off is set for 7pm.