TIGERS FALL IN TIGHT DEFENSIVE BATTLE WITH NO. 14 RAIDERS 68-60
Mitchell, S.D. – Dakota Wesleyan men's basketball team dropped a tight and physical game with No. 14 Northwestern 68-60. DWU responded to the tough challenge going up against the No. 14 ranked Northwestern team that at the beginning of the season scored 90+ on the Tigers by holding them to under 70. The offense just couldn't get shots to fall, despite getting good looks and open shots. DWU shot just 29% from the floor, 26% from beyond the arc, and 44% from the free throw line. Like all year the Tigers got most of their offensive production from deep, scoring 33 of their 60 points off of three pointers.
In the first half DWU was held to just 16 points, their lowest mark on the season. The Tigers defense kept them in it though by holding NWC to 28 points. Blaze Lubbers and Jakob Dobney led the way with five points each while Lubbers dominated the glass, grabbing a staggering 11 rebounds in the first half alone. Both offenses woke up in the second half with Northwestern pounding the paint with NAIA POTW Alex Van Kalsbeek and DWU doing it with their fast paced, perimeter shooting. NWC went 0-4 from beyond the arc in the half with the Tigers went 8-19. Dobney continued to lead the Tigers offensively with his 13 points in the half, but he was followed closely by true freshman guard Randy Rosenquist Jr. who had 11 points in the half.
DWU trailed by 10 with 17 minutes left in the half but found their rhythm and went on a big run in the next 10 minutes of play to take a one-point lead at 47-46. NWC regained their lead getting some calls down the stretch that sent them to the line and pulled away from the Tigers late. Lubbers finished the game with a career-high 18 rebounds to go with his 10 points to complete the double double. Dobney led all scorers for DWU with 18 followed by Rosenquist Jr. 13 (11 in the second half).
Up Next
- Dakota Wesleyan men's basketball returns to the palace for a matchup with Midland Sunday, January 28th with tipoff at 3:45 p.m. This will also be the annual 'Pink the Palace' Game.
