Courtesy of Midland Athletics
SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Midland University returned to action Wednesday evening against No. 13 Briar Cliff. Despite a strong defensive effort in its second straight game against a ranked opponent, Midland fell to the Chargers, 75-50.
The two teams traded baskets to open the game before Briar Cliff jumped out to a 7-2 lead behind free throws from Brooklyn Heineman and a 3-pointer by Mallie McNair. Jenna Weberhelped Midland regain momentum, cutting the deficit to three with 6:15 remaining in the first quarter. Briar Cliff answered with a basket from Abby Lee, but Ellie Bovaird responded for the Warriors. The Chargers then used a 4-0 run to push the lead to seven, midway through the quarter. Weber knocked down a 3-pointer to make it 13-9, but a basket from Demi Ferguson kept Briar Cliff in front. After trading baskets over the next several minutes, the Chargers closed the quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 25-15 lead into the second.
Offenses stalled early in the second quarter before Lee scored and converted a free throw to extend the Chargers’ lead to 28-15 with 8:41 remaining in the half. A basket by Addy Offutt cut into the deficit, but McNair hit another 3-pointer to spark a 6-0 Briar Cliff run. Armani Brazile ended the run with a basket, forcing a Briar Cliff timeout with two minutes left in the half. Out of the break, the Chargers closed the quarter on a 4-0 run and carried a 38-19 advantage into halftime.
Briar Cliff opened the third quarter with a 9-0 run to extend its lead to 47-19. Cierra Barbaryended the Warriors’ scoring drought, but the Chargers answered with a basket from Taylor Sodeman. Midland’s offense began to find a rhythm as Weber sparked a 5-0 run, prompting another Briar Cliff timeout. The Chargers responded with a basket from Lee, but Midland continued to battle with free throws from Bovaird and another basket by Weber. A late bucket by Weber trimmed the deficit, but Briar Cliff led 59-35 entering the fourth quarter.
Lee opened the scoring in the final quarter for the Chargers, but Midland responded with a 5-0 run to cut the deficit to 61-40 with seven minutes remaining. After trading baskets, Briar Cliff used a 6-0 run to extend its lead to 69-42 with 3:30 left. The teams exchanged baskets down the stretch as the Chargers secured the 75-50 victory.
“The team played very well,” head coach Chris Burks said. “They followed the scout and did what was asked. They played with great effort defensively and rebounded well. Cierra Barbary set the tone defensively, Bovaird rebounded well, and Weber carried the load offensively. Briar Cliff is a great team, and we really competed tonight. Once we get fully healthy, we will make a strong run in the second half of conference play.”
Weber led Midland with 21 points, while Bovaird recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
The Warriors shot 19 of 57 from the field (33.3%), while Briar Cliff finished 30 of 77 (39.0%). The Chargers held a 41-37 edge on the boards.
Midland (2-14, 1-9 GPAC) returns home Saturday to face No. 2 Dordt (15-1, 9-1 GPAC) in its third straight game against a ranked opponent. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. inside the Wikert Event Center in Fremont, Nebraska.
