Bell, the Bengals' 6-foot-8 senior, had averaged more than 20 points per game on the year, and needed to play well for the Bengals to upset the higher-ranked Vikings.
As the game began it was clear that both teams wanted to get their big men involved in the offense early. Jensen took the first four shots on offense for his team, making one, and Bell helped the Bengals stake out an early 6-2 lead.
That lead was cut to one as Paul Rampton connected on a three from the corner for the Vikings and seemed to get the Vikings offense rolling. Viewmont continued looking for Jensen offensively, and he responded with seven first-quarter points, including a three-pointer. Bell had six of his own for the Bengals, and after freshman Jace Tavita connected on a trey from the corner with five seconds remaining in the first quarter, the Vikings held a slight 17-16 edge.
As the second quarter began both teams tried to establish themselves inside, leading to some very physical play. The Bengals continued trying to force the ball inside to Bell, but the Vikings prevented the big center from doing any damage. Jordan Burning-ham, who gave up three inches to Bell, drew the assignment of covering Bell to keep Jensen fresh on the offensive end, and the strategy paid off.
In the first four minutes of the second quarter, Bell was 0-5 from the field with two turnovers, and the Vikings went on a 10-0 run led by point guard Chris Romney. Romney had a three-pointer for the Vikings, and also made two beautiful assists that led to easy baskets. After Romney stole the ball from Tavita while going up court for an easy lay-up with 337 remaining in the half, Viewmont led 27-16. The Bengals would not let the Vikings pull away without a fight, however, and scored the final five points of the quarter to cut the Vikings' lead to 27-21 going into the half.
In the third quarter, Bell got things going for the Bengals, scoring the first five points of the quarter for either team and cutting the deficit to 27-26, but the Vikings responded with an 11-0 run, including six points by Jensen, and extended the lead once again to double-digits.
As the third quarter came to a close, Ben Bagshaw scored a tough, turnaround basket after a Jensen miss with 12 seconds remaining, and put the Vikings up 40-28 entering the fourth quarter.
As the fourth quarter began, the Vikings could feel the momentum growing in their favor and looked to drive the final nail into the Bengals' coffin with a strong scoring burst to begin the fourth quarter.
After Romney connected on another three, the Vikings led 45-32. With three minutes remaining, and the Vikings starting to play keep-away to run out the clock, Jensen scored three straight lay-ups. The Vikings beat the Bengals' press and gave the team an insurmountable 52-37 lead with two minutes remaining.
The Bengals continued to battle, but the Vikings were too strong and took home the 57-42 victory.
Jensen led the Vikings with 29 points and Romney added 17. Bell finished with 16 for the Bengals, but failed to get comfortable in the entire game, shooting only 5-17 from the field thanks to the strong effort by Burningham. After the game Viewmont head coach Jeff Emery said that he was pleased with the way Jensen matched up with Bell.
"I'll take our (center) any day," said Emery. "He has as big a heart as anyone I've ever coached."
The Vikings (16-6) will move on to play West Jordan (13-9) Thursday night at six at the Dee Events center in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
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