Box Score Dordt took control early and survived a late run in a 91-81 road win at MidAmerica Nazarene against Evangel, improving to 2-0 on the season.
Box Score (PDF)
After trading baskets in the opening minutes, the Defenders used back-to-back three-pointers from Connor Millikan and Ty Van Essen to grab a 10-6 lead they would never relinquish. Dordt's offensive rhythm continued to build as the half went on, connecting on nine first-half three-pointers and stretching the margin to double digits midway through the period. By halftime, Dordt held a 48-39 advantage behind balanced scoring and unselfish ball movement that produced 12 assists in the opening 20 minutes.
The Defenders opened the second half with another surge, pushing the lead to as many as 19 points when Jake Hargens converted at the rim and Steven Poulicek hit one of his four three-pointers. Evangel battled back late, using a string of defensive stops and transition baskets to cut the Dordt lead to 83-79 inside the final two minutes. That's when Van Essen delivered a three-pointer from the wing with just over a minute remaining to halt Evangel's run and steady Dordt for the finish. Dordt closed the game from the free-throw line to secure the 10-point win.
THE NUMBERS
- Field Goals: Dordt 30-55 (.545) | Evangel 27-55 (.491)
- 3-Point FG: Dordt 14-28 (.500) | Evangel 7-19 (.368)
- Free Throws: Dordt 17-24 (.708) | Evangel 20-30 (.667)
- Rebounds: Evangel 31 | Dordt 30
- Turnovers: Dordt 17 | Evangel 15
- Assists: Dordt 22 | Evangel 13
Dordt Leaders
NEXT
Dordt will face the host school MidAmerica Nazarene on Friday at 7:30pm in Olathe, Kansas.
