Two separate offensive droughts sent the Gibraltar Vikings boys basketball team to a 72-45 loss to Peshtigo on Friday night.

 

Dominik Baxter clearly remembered being limited to just five points in the teams’ last meeting, combining with Levi Hodgins for the Bulldogs’ first 16 points. The Vikings held their own early thanks to 3-pointers from Marco Jauregui, Kayin Jackson and Aaron Brey. The Bulldogs blew the game open late in the first half with a 15-0 run led by Baxter that put them ahead 40-26 at the break.

 

 

Despite some early buckets from the Bulldogs, the Vikings were able to threaten early in the second half, forcing a timeout when they trimmed the lead to nine points with just over 14 minutes left. Peshtigo would not allow another Vikings field goal the rest of the game, as the free-throw line provided a safe haven for the Bulldogs’ offense. The drought allowed the Bulldogs to extend the lead to nearly 30 points late, prompting both teams to empty their benches.

 

 

Baxter led all scorers with 28 points, 22 of which came in the first half. Hodgins added 17 points, while seven other Bulldogs scored at least two points. Brey paced the Vikings with 14 points, Jauregui added 10 and Wyatt Bultman chipped in nine.

 

 

The Vikings return to action Monday when they face Sevastopol at Institute for their Warrior Violet game. Tim Kowols will have the call beginning at 6:45 p.m., with the opening tip set for 7 p.m.