Sports : Vikings stay perfect; come from behind to edge Benton by 6, 77-71

Chris Merchant hit 8-of 10 shots, including 6 3-pointers to help the Vikings's winning rally.

Chris Merchant defends against a Bobcat shot attempt.

Chris Merchant goes to the basket.

Grant Sagan

Grant Sagan goes for a layup.

Kelyn Rickels eyes the basket before attempting a free throw vs. Benton.

Max Griffith led the Vikings with 24 points, 18 of them from behind the 3-point line.

Max Kearns dished out 10 assists for the Vikings vs. Benton.

Nolan Sagan

Down by five at half-time on Friday night, the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings had to rely on their third quarter scoring tradition and Max Griffifth's and Chris Merchant's 3-point shooting to keep their record perfect.

The Benton Community Bobcats had played the Vikings very close for three quarters when the teams met in Vinton earlier this season, but the Vikings eventually won by 15.

Determined for revenge, the Bobcats became the first team this season to lead the Vikings at halftime. They played close with the Vikings all four quarters Friday in Van Horne, leading much of the game. But with three minutes left, the Vikings had built a 3-point lead, and hung on to win, 77-71. The victory was the 18th straight on the Vikings perfect season.

Outscored by 10 in the second quarrter, the Vikings had outscored the Bobcats, 23-16, to take the lead by the end of the third quarter.

Griffith leads Class 3A players in 3-pointers made, and hit six of them vs. Benton. He led the Vikings with 24 points. Merchant also got hot from behind the arc, hitting 6-of-8 3-point attempts and 8-of-10 total field goals while scoring 22 points. Grant Sagan added 12 points and Max Kearns dished out 10 assists to his teammates.

The Vikings continue to lead Class 3A in total points scored (1286) and in points scored in the second quarter. Only one team has scored more third quarter points than V-S this season.

See complete stats HERE.

The Vikings host Williamsburg next Tuesday and Anamosa next Friday before ending the regular season at home vs. Oelwein.