York rallies late to top Tiger men in nonconference action

YORK, Neb. – In a thrilling action-packed nonconference battle, it was York College that came away late with a 91-87 victory over the No. 10 Dakota Wesleyan University men's basketball team on Saturday night at the Freeman Center in York, Neb.

 The York Panthers (3-2) came out firing in the first half, leading by as much as 11 points at the 13:43 mark. Collin Kramer (Volga, S.D.) gave DWU life, hammering home a second-chance layup to put the Tigers within nine points early.

 York answered with a plethora of points, nearing the 10-minute mark in the first half as the scurried to a 15-point lead. The Tigers wouldn't go down without a fight in the first half as Ty Hoglund (Dell Rapids, S.D.) hit a jumper to bring the Tigers within five points. Minutes later, DWU took its first lead of the game at 35-34 when newcomer Samuel McCloud (Rapid City, S.D.) drained a 3-pointer with 6:17 to play in the first half. However, it was the Panthers, yet again tacking on five more points to take a 50-39 lead heading into the locker room.

 Heading into the second half, the Tigers gave it all they had coming within six points, thanks to a long-range 3-pointer by Hoglund. At the 8:23 mark, Nygel Drury (Madison, Wis.) sank two free throws to put the Tigers within striking distance, trailing 73-71. But it was York that went on the hit two 3-pointers to put the game out of reach for the Tigers.

 Hoglund led the Tigers with 33 points on 11-of-20 shooting from the field. McCloud and Drury added 13 points, while Trae Vandeberg (Madison, S.D.) was just shy of a triple-double with 12 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists.

 The Tigers (4-2) open up Great Plains Athletic Conference play as they host Dordt College at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Corn Palace in Mitchell.