Free throws were the difference Saturday night as the Valley City State men's basketball team dropped its second straight conference game in a 79-68 loss to Bellevue University.

VCSU shot just 35 percent from the line (7-20) while the Bruins attempted 39 free throws and made 30 of them en route to the victory.

The teams were whistled for a combined 50 fouls – 27 for VCSU and 23 for Bellevue – but the Bruins attacking offense turned more of the fouls into free throw attempts as they shot 77 percent from the line.

VCSU drops to 9-6 overall and 2-2 in North Star Athletic Association conference play. Bellevue improves to 6-7 overall and 1-2 in the North Star.

Bellevue led 35-26 at halftime and stayed in control throughout the second half, leading by as many as 13. The Vikings cut the deficit to six with 3:30 left but could get no closer.

BJ Shelton led the Bruins with 21 points, which included a 9-for-14 night at the free throw line. Nick Hilton added 12 points as he went 6-for-6 on free throws.

The Bruins shot 45 percent from the field (22-49), 29 percent on 3's (5-17) and 77 percent at the line (30-39).

Jayden Ferguson scored a game-high 29 points to lead the Vikings. The junior forward went 13-for-20 shooting. Rashad Satahoo added 15 points and five assists, and Ellwood Ellenson posted 10 points, six rebounds and three blocks.

VCSU shot 48 percent from the field (29-60) but was hampered by poor 3-point shooting (3-17) and free throw shooting (7-20).

Bellevue held a 41-29 advantage on the glass, including a 12-9 edge in offensive rebounds.

Up next: VCSU hosts Viterbo University for a conference game on Friday, Dec. 16. Women tip at 5:30 p.m. with the men to follow at 7:30 p.m. Bellevue hosts Presentation College on Dec. 16.