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The Vikings began 2012 on a positive note, as a strong defensive effort propelled them to a win at Oconomowoc, 69-44.

The tone for the evening was set early on, as Wisco stole the ball five times in the first three minutes of the game and jumped out to a 9-2 advantage. The Vikings forced three more turnovers in the first quarter and led 18-11 after one. In the second quarter, Wisco took the defense up another notch, not allowing the Raccoons to make a basket from the field. While Oconomowoc was limited to three free throws, the Vikings rattled off 15 points and took a 33-14 lead into the break.

The second half saw the Vikings extend their advantage. Although Oconomowoc found the hoop again in the third quarter, Wisco shot 62% from the field and forced four more Raccoon turnovers to increase their lead to 54-32 after three quarters. The Viking bench got valuable experience in the fourth quarter and played well. Caleb Tesch's basket with just under three minutes remaining gave Wisco their biggest lead of the night, 69-38, before a few late baskets by Oconomowoc.

The Wisco defense was on display in this game. They recorded a season-high 15 steals and forced a total of 20 turnovers. Nine different players recorded steals for the Vikings and five different players grabbed at least two steals on the night. Forcing turnovers and limiting the taller Raccoons' second-chance opportunities allowed the Vikings to hold down Oconomowoc's shot attempts. In a well-paced game, the Raccoons attempted just 36 field goals to the Vikings' 54. The Vikings enjoyed a nice shooting night as well. Wisco shot 66% inside the arc and also knocked down six three-pointers.

Chris Golden and Deiondre Cunningham led the Vikings with 15 points apiece. Golden added two assists and a team-high three steals, while Cunningham had two steals and an assist. Emilio Lopez added 14 points and 8 rebounds, and CJ Polk and Caleb Tesch chipped in off the bench with 8 and 6 points, respectively. Wisco outrebounded the taller Raccoons, 27-22, including 10-6 on the offensive glass.

The win puts the Vikings alone in second place in the Little Ten, just one game behind Beaver Dam. Next up for Wisco is a road test at Germantown, the #1 ranked team in the state. That game is Tuesday, January 10, at 7:30 PM.