Warriors Unable to Tame Sharp-Shooting Tigers

MITCHELL, S.D. – Midland University traveled to Mitchell, South Dakota, on Saturday afternoon to face Dakota Wesleyan University at the Corn Palace. The Warriors struggled to find their rhythm early, and a red-hot offensive performance by the Tigers led to a 92-64 loss.

The Tigers came out strong in the first half, opening with back-to-back three-pointers and a free throw to build a quick 7-0 lead. Rece Kissinger put the Warriors on the board with consecutive layups, but Dakota Wesleyan extended its lead to double digits with an 8-2 run, including six points from the free-throw line. Alec Noonan ended Midland's scoring drought with a three-pointer, but the Tigers responded with an 11-0 run to widen the gap.

Trey McCain scored from the free-throw line as both teams began exchanging baskets. Ryan Larsen and McCain each hit a three-pointer for the Warriors, but the Tigers answered with a 5-0 run. Jake Orr sparked an 8-2 stretch for Midland, trimming the deficit. However, Dakota Wesleyan closed the half strong, hitting a three-pointer and a jump shot to head into halftime with a 44-29 lead.

After the break, the Tigers opened the second half with a jump shot before Larsen and McCain combined for a 5-0 run. Dakota Wesleyan answered with a 10-2 stretch, highlighted by two three-pointers. Jeff Rozelle III responded with a three-pointer to halt the Warriors' scoring drought, but the Tigers pushed their lead to 25 points with a 7-0 run.

Orr and Mason Strong paired up for a 4-2 run to break Midland's silence, but the Tigers quickly countered with a three-pointer, prompting a Midland timeout. Following the pause, Strong and Noonan hit back-to-back jumpers, but the Tigers continued their offensive onslaught with an 8-2 run.

Noonan and Larsen responded with a 4-0 run for Midland, but Dakota Wesleyan capitalized on free throws and traded baskets with the Warriors in the final five minutes. The Tigers closed the game on a 6-2 run, securing a 92-64 victory.

Midland shot 26-of-54 (48.1%) from the field, while Dakota Wesleyan went 30-of-54 (55.6%). The Tigers' success from beyond the arc, going 18-of-32 (56.3%), was a decisive factor, as they also converted 11 Midland turnovers into 23 points.

Mason Strong led the Warriors with 12 points, followed by Jake Orr with 10.

Midland (6-8) will next travel to Dickinson, North Dakota, for a non-conference matchup against Dickinson State (5-5) on Thursday, December 19. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. inside Scott Gymnasium.