Dordt University utilized a high-powered offense and a strong second-half performance to defeat Briar Cliff 98–63 on Wednesday night at the DeWitt Gymnasium.
Box Score (PDF)
The contest began as a back-and-forth affair featuring one lead change and two ties , with the Chargers holding a narrow 16–14 lead early in the first half. However, Dordt responded with a steady rhythm to claim a 40–31 advantage at the break.
The decisive stretch occurred early in the second half; after leading by nine at halftime, the Defenders opened the period on a 13–3 run fueled by back-to-back triples from
Connor Millikan and
Ty Van Essen.
The momentum swing quickly pushed the lead to nearly 20 points, and Dordt never looked back, eventually leading by as many as 37 points following a
Jalen Kirkpatrick three-pointer late in the game.
Dordt is 13-12 overall and 8-9 in the GPAC with three games remaining. Dordt will face Midland on Saturday afternoon, February 14 at 4:45pm.
THE NUMBERS
Team Stat Comparison
- Field Goal Percentage: Dordt shot 52.2% (35-67) compared to 37.7% (20-53) for Briar Cliff.
- Three-Point Shooting: The Defenders converted 48.1% (13-27) of their long-range attempts, while the Chargers were held to 24.2% (8-33).
- Free Throw Shooting: Dordt finished a perfect 100% (15-15) from the charity stripe.
Dordt Individual Leaders
- Ty Van Essen: 24 points, 8 rebounds, 5-6 3PT.
- Connor Millikan: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists.
- Asa Rogosich: 18 points, 4 steals, 4-5 3PT.
- Judson Henkel: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks.
- Jake Proctor: 6 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds.
