The top-ranked Dordt Defenders used timely scoring stretches and clutch execution down the stretch to hold off No. 4 Dakota State for an 86–82 victory at the Sanford Pentagon on Tuesday night. Dordt built a 17-point second-quarter lead, weathered multiple Trojan rallies, and closed with key free throws and stops to remain unbeaten at 4–0.
Box Score (PDF)
Dordt jumped out to a commanding start behind Gracie Schoonhoven, who scored 13 of her 23 points in the opening quarter as the Defenders raced to a 23–11 lead. The combination of Macy Sievers's playmaking and Olivia Harazin's perimeter shooting fueled a 9–0 run early, capped by a Sievers steal and assist that made it 15–6 midway through the first. Dordt's defensive pressure forced seven Dakota State turnovers in the opening period, converting them into fast-break points that set the tone.
After Dordt's 17-point advantage in the second quarter, Dakota State clawed back with Ella Carstensen and Bria Wasmund leading the charge to trim the margin to 38–33 by halftime.
In the third quarter, Dakota State made its biggest push and trimmed the gap to just two points after an 8–2 run keyed by Carstensen's three-pointer and a Watkins putback. Dordt responded immediately with a 9–2 surge fueled by Harazin's jumper and a pair of Sievers free throws, restoring control at 56–47. The Defenders carried a 64–57 lead into the fourth period.
Late in the game, Dakota State again pulled within a single possession, but Dordt answered at the line and in the paint. Sievers hit six of her 11 free throws in the final two minutes, and Schoonhoven scored twice down low to hold off the charge. Dordt
closed the game at the free throw line, hitting 81% of its free throws overall.
THE NUMBERS
- Field Goals: Dordt 29–70 (41%) | Dakota State 30–63 (48%)
- Three-Point FG: Dordt 6–18 (33%) | Dakota State 11–28 (39%)
- Rebounds: Dordt 38 | Dakota State 40
- Turnovers: Dordt 14 | Dakota State 21
Dordt Statistical Leaders
- Points: Schoonhoven 23, Sievers 23, Harazin 20, Bleeker 13
- Rebounds: Sievers 8, Schoonhoven 9, Drent 6
- Assists: Sievers 11
- Steals: Sievers 4, Schoonhoven 3, Bleeker 2, Harazin 2
NEXT
Dordt will travel to face Mount Marty on Saturday, November 15 at 2pm in Yankton, South Dakota.
