(Peru, Neb.)- The Peru State Men's Basketball Team suffered their first defeat of the season, 70-76, on Saturday against the Missouri Valley Vikings. The Bobcats are now 3-1 in the Heart of America Conference and 7-1 overall.
 
The Bobcats struggled offensively in the first half and trailed 31-34 at halftime. Carlos Hines led the way for Peru State in the opening period, scoring 10 points and grabbing 2 rebounds. Devin Tomlinson also contributed, adding 7 points and 2 rebounds. Despite these individual performances, the Bobcats struggled as the Vikings to maintain a slim lead through the first 20 minutes.
 
In the second half, Peru State came out with more energy, and Hines continued his strong play, scoring another 15 points and pulling down 2 rebounds to finish with a game-high 25 points. Ty Griggs also stepped up in the second half, adding 10 points and 2 rebounds. The duo's efforts gave the Bobcats a fighting chance, but they struggled to stop Missouri Valley's. Despite the Bobcats' late-game surge, Peru State could not close the gap, and they ultimately lost by a final score of 70-76.
 
Carlos Hines led the Bobcats with 25 points, four rebounds and four assists. Ty Griggs had 14 points, six rebounds and three assists for the Bobcats. Devin Tomlinson had 12 points, four rebounds and two assists with Stephen Coleman Jr. having six points and four rebounds.
 
Next: The Bobcats will be in Baldwin City, Kansas on Tuesday to take on the Baker Wildcats in the Heart Conference Game of the Week.