
La Crosse, Wis. - Scott Buschman (Sr. Naperville, Ill.) helped guide the V-Hawks to a 65-49 victory over the visiting Saint Ambrose Fighting Bees Saturday as he led the team with 24 hard-earned points.
Despite going just 10-24 from the free throw line, Buschman's 24 points and 10 rebounds were enough to lead the V-Hawks past the Fighting Bees and into sole possession of second place in the Midwest Collegiate Conference standings (10-13, 8-4). The double-double is Buschman's 19th on the season as he remains the leader in the category in NAIA Division II. Ryan Ambrose (Sr. - Jr. - Twin Lakes, Wis.) added 11 points, seven assists, and five rebounds while brother and teammate Eric Ambrose (Sr. - Twin Lakes, Wis.) scored 15 points and handed out four assists. The two combined to go 5-10 from behind the three point line.
Viterbo was held in check in the first half by the stingy Fighting Bees defense as they allowed just four points and four rebounds to Buschman. Sophomore Chris Donnelly led Saint Ambrose in the first half with 10 points while going 3-3 from behind the arc. The V-Hawks went into the break with a 23-19 lead as they shot 8-18 (44.4%) in the first half.
Viterbo was able to maintain the lead throughout the second half despite converting on just 14-28 (50.0%) free throw attempts. Buschman sealed the game for the V-Hawks with two monstrous dunks late in the second half which leaves Viterbo just a half game back of Grand View University in the MCC.
The V-Hawks held a 41-29 rebounding edge over the Fighting Bees while both teams committed 16 turnovers. Viterbo went 21-44 (47.7%) from the field compared to just 17-51 (33.3%) by the Fighting Bees. Saint Ambrose had two players score in double figures with Donnelly leading the way with 16 points.
The victory moves Viterbo to 10-13 overall while improving to 8-4 in the MCC. Saint Ambrose drops to 16-10 overall and 8-5 in the MCC. Viterbo will look to maintain their winning ways as they have just four regular season games remaining. The V-Hawks next action will come on the road as they travel to Forest City, Iowa to take on Waldorf College Wednesday night with tip-off expected at 7:30 pm.
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