Basketball Recap: Bertrand Wins High-Profile Contest Against Pleasanton

Bertrand faced Pleasanton in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Friday. The Vikings managed a 66-61 victory over the Bulldogs. The win continues a trend for the Vikings in their matchups with the Bulldogs: they've now won three in a row.

Bertrand had a senior duo take command as Scottie Bieker dropped a double-double with 20 points and 21 boards and Thunder Nelson shot 59% from the field to rack up 32 points along with eight steals and five assists. Nelson is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in each of the last nine games he's played dating back to last season.

Bertrand smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive boards they've managed all season.

Pleasanton's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Grady Riley, who went 7-for-12 en route to 19 points and seven rebounds. Brennan Lindner was another key player, putting up 25 points.

The victory got Bertrand back to even at 2-2. As for Pleasanton, this is the second loss in a row for them and also nudges their season record down to 2-2.

Bertrand wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next matchup, a 68-61 win against Loomis on the 13th. As for Pleasanton, they have also already played their next contest, a 76-58 victory against South Loup on the 13th.