The Dordt University men's basketball team built an 11-point halftime lead but Dakota State rallied in the second half to earn a 79-71 win over the Defenders on Wednesday, November 11, at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Box Score (PDF)

Dordt opened the game making its first two free throws before Steven Poulicek connected on a three-pointer. Connor Millikan followed with a jumper, and the Defenders built an early 7-2 advantage.

The Defenders continued to find success from the perimeter. Poulicek made four three-pointers in the first half, while Landon De Stigter added two. Dordt shot 57.1 percent from the field and 80 percent from three-point range in the opening 20 minutes.

Dordt stretched its lead to 18-10 on a De Stigter three-pointer with 11:46 remaining in the half. Millikan added a three, and Poulicek connected again to help the Defenders maintain control. A three-pointer by Judson Henkel and a layup from Dylon Schaap helped Dordt take a 44-33 lead into halftime.

Dakota State began its comeback early in the second half. The Trojans cut the deficit to four points at 44-40 before De Stigter answered with a three-pointer. Dordt later pushed its advantage to 54-45 following a Millikan layup and free throw with 12:15 remaining.

Dakota State then put together a 10-0 run to take a 55-54 lead. The Trojans continued to build momentum and moved in front 64-58 with just under seven minutes remaining.

Dordt responded. De Stigter scored on a layup, and Henkel added a basket to bring the Defenders within 66-63. Millikan and Steven Poulicek helped Dordt stay within reach, and Millikan's basket with 44 seconds remaining cut the margin to 74-69.

Henkel added a tip-in with 30 seconds left to make it 76-71, but Dakota State converted free throws down the stretch to secure the eight-point win.

Dakota State outscored Dordt 46-27 in the second half and held a 44-28 advantage in points in the paint. The Trojans also scored 24 points off Dordt turnovers, compared to six for the Defenders.

Dordt Leaders

• Connor Millikan: 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal.

• Landon De Stigter: 14 points, 6-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-4 from three-point range.

• Steven Poulicek: 14 points, 4-of-5 from three-point range.

• Judson Henkel: 12 points, seven rebounds and one blocked shot.

• Nick Hanson: Four points and three rebounds.

• Dylon Schaap: Four points.

Team Stat Comparison