VICTORIA - The University of Victoria Vikes men's basketball team got off to the right start in game one of two on their California tour, defeating the Biola University Eagles 55-52 on Dec. 29. Leading the floor was Terrell Evans (Las Vegas, NV), who impressed with 22 points and 13 rebounds.

The Vikes, who are currently second in the Pacific Division of the Canada West, boast a 7-3 record entering the California series of games, which will continue tomorrow, Dec. 30, against Concordia University.

Last year, the Vikes bested the Eagles 64-60 and continued that streak today, not conceding the lead once throughout the game. The Vikes lead by a convincing 25-19 in the opening half but the Eagles did not go down without a fight.

Biola rallied back to tie the Vikes 48-48 after two free throws by sophomore Dakota Anderson and again at 50-50 off a jumper from junior Zack Zaragoza. Guard Brandon Dunlop (Victoria, BC) nailed an outside-shot to get the Vikes rolling again towards the 55-52 victory.

Adding to the board for the Vikes was guard Michael Acheampong (Toronto, Ont.)  who served up 11 points, five assists and three rebounds, while forward Pierce Anderson (Calgary, AB) chipped in for eight points, two rebounds and one assist. 

Biola was lead by Zaragoza, with 17 points and Anderson, with 12 points.

The Vikes will travel to Concordia University for their second and final game, which tips off at 5 p.m. The Vikes will then return home to finish preparation for their first weekend of Canada West action since early December. The men will travel on Jan. 11-12 to face Winnipeg and Manitoba.