Dordt controlled the night from start to finish in a 90–61 road win over Briar Cliff in men's basketball, using a blistering offensive start and a defensive effort that forced the Chargers into shooting struggles.
BOX SCORE (PDF)
The Defenders opened the game on a run, with
Steven Poulicek knocking down a three-pointer on the opening possession, followed by
Connor Millikan scoring at the rim and
Judson Henkel adding a strong finish to make it 7–0 before the Chargers could respond. Briar Cliff missed seven of its first nine attempts, and Dordt's momentum grew with
Ty Van Essen scoring to push the early margin to 9–2. Dordt maintained that pace throughout a 49-point first half and led by more than 20 for much of the ensuing second half.
Briar Cliff never found a rhythm offensively, finishing the night 21-of-62 from the field and just 4-of-29 from three-point range. Dordt continued to pull away after halftime, opening the second period with back-to-back scores from Henkel and Van Essen, quickly stretching the lead deeper into double digits.
Henkel an efficient performance, converting his first eight field-goal attempts and finishing 9-of-10 for a game-high 20 points.
Nick Hanson provided a major spark off the bench as well, going a perfect 5-of-5 from the field for 10 points. Van Essen anchored Dordt on the glass with a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double, helping Dordt control the interior and secure a decisive rebounding advantage.
THE NUMBERS
Team Comparison
- Field Goals:
- Dordt: 35-of-62
- Briar Cliff: 21-of-62
- Three-Point Field Goals:
- Dordt: 9-of-22
- Briar Cliff: 4-of-29
- Rebounds:
- Dordt: 40
- Briar Cliff: 32
- Turnovers:
- Dordt: 11
- Briar Cliff: 11
Dordt Statistical Leaders
- Points:
- Rebounds:
- Assists:
- Steals:
Dordt is now 5-5 overall and 2-2 in the GPAC while Briar Cliff absorbs its first loss of the GPAC season and is 6-3 overall. Dordt will face Doane on Saturday, December 6.
