Spicer nets double-double as Tigers top Hastings on the road

HASTINGS, Neb. – Jason Spicer (Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Ty Hoglund (Dell Rapids, S.D.) combined for 41 points, pacing the Dakota Wesleyan University men's basketball team over Hastings College 86-63 in Great Plains Athletic Conference play Saturday in Hastings, Neb.

 The Tigers jumped out to an early 11-2 lead in the first half, thanks to 3-pointers by Nygel Drury (Madison, Wis.), Hoglund and Spicer. However, Hastings quickly closed in on the Tigers and took a five-point lead at the 11:20 mark. Coming out of a timeout, it was Tyson Smiley (Omaha, Neb.) that nailed a 3-pointer to put the Tigers down by two. The sophomore made quick work and hit back-to-back jumpers to tie the game at 24, but he wasn't done as he hit a long-range 3-pointer to give DWU a one-point lead with 7:52 to play in the first half.

 Three-pointers became the norm for the Tigers nearing the end of the first half. Drury hit a 3-pointer with 5:06 to play in the first stanza, which was followed by another three-point shot from Hoglund to give the Tigers a 10-point lead. A minute later, Spicer and Hoglund hit back-to-back 3-pointers, giving DWU a 48-32 lead heading into the break.

 The Tigers (10-4, 4-2 GPAC) controlled much of the second half and began to put the game out reach for Hastings. With 10:48 to play in the game, Hoglund sank a 3-pointer to give DWU a 64-46 lead. Points were hard to come by for the Broncos in the second half as the Tigers defense held strong, forcing tough shots on the home team.

 With under four minutes to play, it was Collin Kramer (Volga, S.D.), Hoglund and Drury that found nothing but net on three-straight 3-points to keep Hastings at bay.

 Spicer finished with 21 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, while tallying a new career-high in the assists category. Hoglund added 21 points and five boards on 5-of-9 shooting from three-point land. Drury recorded 15 points, while Vandeberg had 12 points. Smiley pitched in 10 points, five boards and four assists for DWU.

 The Tigers shot 52 percent from the field, 48 percent from beyond the arc and 58 percent from the charity stripe. DWU out-rebounded Hastings 33-25 and had 19 assists compared to seven by the Broncos.

 DWU continues conference play, taking on No. 9 Briar Cliff University at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Corn Palace in Mitchell.