After winning the first game of 2026, Vikings played away against Halifax Cobras hoping to make it 2 for 2. Several players were unavailable and only 7 made the trip.

The first quarter was an exchange of baskets, with Vikings managed to win 14 - 12. However, frustration started to build early as there was clear discrepancy in the fouls being called, with 5 being called against Vikings versus 1 for the Cobras.

The 2nd quarter started similar to the first with both teams exchanging baskets. The foul discrepancy started playing a role after Cobras hit a big three in the 5th minute. Subsequent close outs were deemed as fouls by Vikings allowing the Cobras to take advantage and seriously affecting the morale of the away team. A couple of late 3s by Vali Moldovan and Stefan Maerz helped the Vikings to stay close. Cobras won the quarter 21 - 15, with a half time score of 33 - 29 in favour of the home team.

Halifax Cobras accuracy kept improving, whilst also fouls kept being called against Vikings, allowing the home team to go to the line numerous times. By the 7th minute of the quarter the hosts had gone ahead by 13 points, before Vikings called a time out. A switch to man defence was made to pressure the ball handlers more. However within a minute a 4th foul was called on Vali Moldovan, who subsequently received a technical for saying "No". This meant Vikings were now down to 6 players. The only silver lining was buzzer beater 3 by Adrian Kam. Cobras took the quarter 18 to 12 and had a 10 point lead heading into the final quarter.

A fast break 2 by Nelvin Lau and a 3 by Mark Strage reduced the gap before Cobras answered with a mid range shot. A subsequent foul by Nelvin Lau (his 4th) sent the Cobras to the line, hitting 1 of 2. Stefan Maerz answered with a 3, before Nelvin Lau was called for another foul to make it his 5th. Vikings now were down to 5 players. Halifax hit 1 of 2 and Mark Strage and Stephen Rowley answered with back to back threes. Another foul and Cobras went them to the line again, making 1 of 2. This time Stefan Maerz answered with a 3 followed with 2 by Jonathan Wetherley and the Vikings were ahead by 4. Next possession Jonathan Wetherley reaches across and gets a steal, but a foul is called. His 5th. Vikings down to 4 players. Cobras make the 2 free throws and switch to a full court press as only 2+ minutes are left. Despite numerous reaches, Vikings do not get a foul call in their favour. Adrian Kam however manages to get a call when he is fouled on a lay up. Making 1 of 2, and the York team are up by 3. In the following possession Stefan Maerz is called for a foul and Halifax make 1 of 2, to make it a two point game again. Once again Adrian Kam manages to break the press and score a lay up. This was answered quickly by Cobras. With under 30 seconds remaining Stefan Maerz manages to go to the basket and hit a floater, for a 4 point lead. Cobras manage to hit a three, but could not get a steal on the subsequent possession and Vikings hold on.

Notes: Stefan Maerz had a season high and Mark Strage matched his career high with Vikings.

The foul calls were a source of frustration with 24 fouls called against Vikings, while only 8 were called against Cobras.

Game MVP: Mark Strage