Dordt University used a strong first-half scoring stretch to build a 31-11 advantage and maintained control throughout the second half in an 80-60 win over Benedictine College on Friday night at the Vos Family Gym.
Box Score (PDF)
The Defenders improved to 1-0 on the season with the season-opening victory, shooting 40 percent from the field and making 11 three-point baskets.
Dordt established control early after Benedictine opened the scoring with a three-pointer.
Connor Millikan answered with a three of his own, and the Defenders gradually built momentum with a series of scoring bursts.
A
Steven Poulicek three-pointer gave Dordt a 6-11 lead, and the Defenders continued to stretch the margin. Millikan connected on consecutive three-point baskets, while
Dylan Bosma and Poulicek also contributed from beyond the arc. A Bosma three-pointer pushed the lead to 20-7, and Poulicek added another three before
Landon De Stigter scored inside.
Dordt continued its run with contributions from several players.
Steven Poulicek connected on another three-pointer,
Judson Henkel scored on a layup and added two free throws, and the Defenders eventually reached a 31-11 advantage with 6:34 remaining in the first half.
Benedictine responded before halftime, outscoring Dordt 22-11 over the remainder of the period to trim the margin to 42-33 at the break. Noah Martens scored 12 first-half points to help the Ravens make their push.
Dordt answered the challenge coming out of halftime.
Brayden Beckering scored on a layup, and
Reed Friesen followed with a second-chance basket. Benedictine briefly found some offensive rhythm, but Dordt continued to respond with timely baskets.
Millikan connected on his sixth three-pointer of the night during a stretch that helped Dordt maintain a double-digit advantage. The Defenders also received important contributions from the bench, including a basket from Drew Purdy and additional scoring from
Dylon Schaap and
Landon De Stigter.
Benedictine made another push, but Dordt consistently had an answer. Gabe Sydzyik converted a layup and free throw, and Millikan added a layup as the Defenders kept the Ravens at a distance.
Dordt's advantage remained comfortable down the stretch, and the Defenders finished with a 20-point victory, scoring 38 points in the second half while limiting Benedictine to 27.
Dordt's 52-39 rebounding advantage and 20-7 edge in second-chance points were important factors in the victory. The Defenders also had a significant advantage at the free-throw line, making 21 of 28 attempts compared to Benedictine's 14 of 26.
Dordt leaders
Team statistical comparison
| Category |
Dordt |
Benedictine |
| Field goals |
24-60 |
20-62 |
| Field goal percentage |
40.0% |
32.3% |
| 3-point field goals |
11-29 |
6-24 |
| 3-point percentage |
37.9% |
25.0% |
| Free throws |
21-28 |
14-26 |
| Free throw percentage |
75.0% |
53.8% |
| Rebounds |
52 |
39 |
| Offensive rebounds |
17 |
16 |
| Assists |
13 |
6 |
| Turnovers |
11 |
10 |
| Steals |
7 |
7 |
