Dordt University

The Dordt men's basketball team saw a halftime lead slip away Friday afternoon, falling to Friends 82-79 in a non-conference game at the Bultman Center.

Box Score (PDF)

The Defenders led 34-32 at halftime but were outscored 50-45 in the second half as Friends connected on 13 three-point field goals and used a strong offensive stretch to take control.

Dordt held a two-point advantage at the break after overcoming an early deficit. Friends opened the game with a 9-2 lead and extended the margin to 15-7 before the Defenders began working their way back.

Connor Millikan connected on a three-pointer, and Judson Henkel provided a spark off the bench with a basket to help Dordt stay within reach. Landon De Stigter then knocked down consecutive three-pointers during a key stretch, cutting into the Friends advantage.

Brayden Beckering helped Dordt close the half on a positive note, hitting a three-pointer with 34 seconds remaining to give the Defenders a 34-30 lead. Friends added a basket in the closing seconds to make it 34-32 at halftime.

Friends took advantage of its shooting in the second half, particularly from beyond the arc. The Falcons gradually built their lead and moved in front 53-42 with 12:39 remaining.

Dordt continued to battle, but Friends maintained its advantage through the middle portion of the half. The Falcons pushed their lead to 76-57 with 4:45 remaining.

The Defenders responded with a late rally. Dordt began converting opportunities at the free-throw line and continued to apply pressure. Friends' lead was trimmed to 77-72 with just over a minute remaining after Millikan converted two free throws.

Friends answered at the line to maintain its lead. The Falcons moved ahead 80-75 on two free throws with 40 seconds left, and another pair extended the margin to 82-77 at the 22-second mark.

Henkel scored inside with 12 seconds remaining to make it 82-79 and after missed free throws, the Defenders got one final opportunity, but a long shot from the wing was off the mark.

Dordt Leaders

• Connor Millikan: 21 points, seven assists and five steals.
• Brayden Beckering: 15 points and five rebounds; made eight of 10 free throws.
• Judson Henkel: 14 points off the bench, shooting 6-of-9 from the field.
• Landon De Stigter: 12 points, including two three-point baskets.
• Reed Friesen: Seven points and five rebounds.
• Steven Poulicek: Seven points and four steals.

Team Stat Comparison

Statistic	Friends	Dordt
Field Goals	28-62	24-50
Field Goal %	45.2%	48.0%
3-Point FG	13-27	7-19
3-Point %	48.1%	36.8%
Free Throws	13-22	24-31
Free Throw %	59.1%	77.4%
Rebounds	39	31
Assists	16	14
Turnovers	15	16