TIGERS SWEEP IN-STATE RIVAL DAKOTA STATE, OPPOLD TALLIES GAME-HIGH 27 POINTS

MADISON, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University men's basketball team continued its road stand on Saturday defeating in-state rival Dakota State University, 69-59, in non-conference action from DSU Memorial Fieldhouse in Madison, S.D. Senior forward Koln Oppold paced Dakota Wesleyan with a game-high 27 points and six rebounds as DWU secured the 10-point victory, earning the season-sweep of Dakota State.

 HOW IT HAPPENED

 Nick Wittler, a sophomore guard from Onida, S.D. propelled the Tigers (3-4) with a made 3-pointer off an assist from Sawyer Schultz to open the contest. Despite a response by the Trojans (2-7), a steal and basket in transition by Oppold granted Dakota Wesleyan a 17-7 lead with just under 12 minutes remaining in the first half.

 The DWU advantage remained at 10 down the stretch in the opening half before a steal by Drew Cole and a defensive block from Alan Kikwaki expanded the Blue and Gray advantage to 14 points, 24-10. Late made field goals from Ace Zorr and Oppold kept the Tigers in front, 35-23, at the intermission. The Dakota Wesleyan offense, which shot 46% on the day, held the 12-point lead at the break.

 Jeffrey Schuch, who finished with seven points and seven rebounds, kicked off the second half with a made 3-pointer followed by a converted jumper from Zorr. Following the five-point swing, Dakota Wesleyan controlled a 40-25 advantage over the Trojans to start the second half.

 Dakota State cut the lead to 12 points midway through the second half, however, back-to-back 3-pointers by DWU boosted the lead to 51-32 at the 10-minute mark. On the afternoon, the Tigers ended the game 9-of-20 from beyond the arc shooting 45% from 3-point land.

Dakota State, who made a valiant comeback down the stretch late in the second frame, closed on a 12-4 run to trim the margin to 62-52. After DSU cut the lead to seven points, 62-55, a three-point swing by Zorr who scored 17 points helped Dakota Wesleyan close the door and secure the 69-58 win on the road.

Schultz led the way with a team-high six assists as the Blue and Gray dished out 12 assists and collected 34 rebounds on the glass. Three Tigers finished in double-figures paced by Oppold and Zorr with 27 and 17, respectively while Schultz chipped in 10 points.

 UP NEXT

Oppold and the Tigers continue their road stand versus in-state rival and GPAC foe Mount Marty University at 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday from Yankton, S.D.