Difference maker

Throughout the Vikings’ current four-game winning streak, the team has played with a tough-to-defend offensive rhythm. One key piece to the Vikings’ success has been the return of junior center Jamie Jones to the starting lineup after he missed time with a plethora of injuries earlier in the season.

In the last four games the starting center has averaged 25 minutes a game and has scored in double digits three times. He has also become the defensive and rebounding presence that many hoped would fill the void of the departed Scott Morrison, who occupied the post for the last four years.

“My teammates trust me with the ball,” said Jones, the junior transfer from El Segundo. “And they know if I get the ball down low, I’m pretty hard to stop.”

Jones is also the team’s second leading rebounder behind junior Julius Thomas and snatched 10 rebounds in the Vikings’ overtime victory against Eastern Washington.    

“For us to be successful, it is imperative that we rebound,” said head coach Ken Bone. “Both Jamie and Julius have done a great job of doing that all year.”

The road back to the NCAA Tournament will be difficult for the Vikings, but with their big man back the Vikings feel good about their chances.

“We feel good with the way we are playing,” Jones said. “But these next two are going to be tough.”