Courtesy of Midland Athletics
FREMONT Neb. – Midland University ended 2023 with a non-conference matchup against Manhattan Christian College on Saturday afternoon inside the Wikert Event Center. Midland earned the 105-87 victory as three players scored 20-plus points in the game.
Jake Orr, one of the high-scoring Warriors, initiated the offensive momentum with a layup to open the game. The Thunder quickly responded with a 5-0 run as the score stayed close through the early minutes. Ryan Larsen, another one of the Warriors to eclipse 20 points in the game, played a key role in a 10-2 run, sinking two three-pointers, as Midland moved in front with a 13-7 run. The deficit of double-digits prompted a timeout from Manhattan Christian. Following the timeout, both teams engaged in a back-and-forth exchange of points, and Manhattan Christian answered with a 5-0 run.
Jeffrey Rozelle III earned a layup ahead of a Colton Uhing dunk which brought energy to the Warriors’ attack. As the teams traded points, Midland started to pull away with an 8-0 run, five minutes before halftime. Attempting to narrow the gap, the Thunder responded with a 10-2 run. Following another exchange of points, Nick Dolezal capped off the first half with a layup, extending the Warriors’ lead to 12 points, 53-41.
After the break, Orr initiated the second half with a jump shot. Derek Merwick, who was quiet in the first half, followed with a layup as he started to catch up with the other two Warriors who led the team in scoring. The Thunder intensified their efforts, launching a 12-6 run, with four straight three-pointers. Jake Rueschhoff fueled the Warriors’ momentum with a three-pointer of his own, sparking a 14-2 run. This surge included a Larsen three-pointer and five points from Merwick. Orr and Cooper each added a pair of points.
As the teams engaged in a back-and-forth exchange of points, Midland called a timeout to regroup. Following the break, Merwick orchestrated a 9-3 run, contributing to 6 of the points, pushing the Warriors into triple digits at 101-77, with 2:07 remaining. The Thunder went on a 10-2 run to narrow the gap. In the final minute, Noah Sandbothe capped off the game with a layup, as Midland secured a 105-87 victory over Manhattan Christian.
Derek Merwick, Ryan Larsen, and Jake Orr lead the Warriors with 21 points each. Jake Rueschhoff followed with 12. Jeffrey Rozelle III pulled down a game-high 9 rebounds while adding 7 points. Orr paced the team with 5 assists on the afternoon.
For the game, Midland shot 38-of-78 (48.7%) while Manhattan Christian was 33-of-68 (48.5%). The Warriors collected 20 points off of the Thunder’s 14 turnovers.
“It was really good balance and I am happy for the guys,” commented head coach Tyler Erwin after the game. “Offensively we did some good things. Not only putting the ball in the basket, but we shared really well. It’s so fun to watch and play that way. Having guys that can take guys off the bounce and play in the paint, and guys that are willing to make passes too.”
“Another stat that stands out is we had 21 offensive rebounds,” added Coach Erwin. “That shows we have guys going to the glass to gain an extra possession for the team, which is tremendous. We are starting to see a lot more balance across the team and I am pleased with how we have been competing. Our focus is to take steps defensively and transition into half-court, we need to be in the business of getting stops. Our guys know that’s the step we have to take. I am really looking forward to our next 60 days.”
Midland (7-8, 2-5 GPAC) will resume conference play in the New Year as they host the University of Jamestown (6-7, 2-4 GPAC) next Saturday. The Great Plains Athletic Conference matchup is scheduled to start at 3:45 p.m. inside the Wikert Event Center on January 6 in Fremont.
