The Dordt Defenders fell to Morningside 102-80 in a GPAC matchup at DeWitt Gymnasium. A tight first half swung into Morningside's favor late and the visitors controlled the second half.

Box Score (PDF)

Dordt started strong, trading baskets early and even tying the game at 15-15 after a three-pointer by Steven Poulicek at the 14:18 mark of the first half. Moments later, Ty Van Essen connected from deep to give Dordt an 18-17 lead—their largest of the night. However, Morningside responded with a decisive run, fueled by Alex Wilcoxson and Daniel Brocaille, to take control before halftime.

The first half featured multiple ties and lead changes, but Dordt trailed 50-44 at the break. In the second half, Morningside's offense surged, opening with a 12-1 run capped by Wilcoxson's three-pointer at 16:07 to push the lead to 66-49. Dordt never recovered as the Mustangs shot 60% in the second half and hit timely threes to seal the win.

Key stretches:

• Dordt tied the game at 15-15 on Poulicek's three-pointer (14:18, 1st half).
• Van Essen's triple gave Dordt its largest lead at 18-17 (12:22, 1st half).
• Morningside closed the first half on a 21-11 run to lead 50-44.
• A 16-5 burst early in the second half extended Morningside's lead to 71-51.

THE NUMBERS

• Field Goals:
  • Morningside: 41-72 (56.9%)
  • Dordt: 28-63 (44.4%)
• Three-Point Field Goals:
  • Morningside: 13-30 (43.3%)
  • Dordt: 12-29 (41.4%)
• Rebounds:
  • Morningside: 33
  • Dordt: 35
• Turnovers:
  • Morningside: 6
  • Dordt: 16

Dordt Leaders
Points

• Connor Millikan – 20 points
• Judson Henkel – 15 points
• Ty Van Essen – 17 points

Rebounds:

• Judson Henkel – 9
• Connor Millikan – 5
• Jake Proctor – 4
• Reed Friesen – 4

Assists:

• Millikan – 2
• Henkel – 2
• Van Essen – 2

Steals:

• Millikan – 2

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