SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Midland University traveled to take on Briar Cliff University in a Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) matchup on Wednesday night in Sioux City. The Warriors got off to a strong start in the first half, but the momentum shifted after the break as the Chargers pulled away for a 70-59 win on their home floor. The victory gives BCU the season sweep in the series and a leg up in the conference standings.
Derek Merwick fueled an 11-4 run to kickstart the game and prompted an early timeout from Briar Cliff. Following the pause, the Chargers rebounded with a 12-2 run highlighted by four three-pointers. Jake Orr ended the streak for Midland with a well-executed layup and free throw followed by a basket from Merwick which tied the game at 18-18.
Briar Cliff picked up the pressure, pushing ahead with a 7-0 run. Jeffrey Rozelle III turned the tide towards the Warriors, starting a spirited 7-0 run. Jake Rueschhoff‘s basket leveled the game once more, 25-25 with 3:54 remaining in the first half. The intense back-and-forth battle persisted, with Orr securing the final basket of the half, but it was the Chargers heading into the break with the lead, 33-29.
In the second half, Rozelle opened with a basket in an effort to carry over the momentum for the Warriors. However, Briar Cliff responded with consecutive baskets, prompting a timeout from Midland. The game reached a 37-37 deadlock early in the second, courtesy of a basket by Merwick and a free throw by Ryan Larsen. Briar Cliff broke the tie, the third of the game, with a quick three-pointer.
The game reached its tipping point shortly after as the tide shifted significantly to BCU after two technical fouls were called on Midland players. The Chargers capitalized on them, going on a 14-2 run through the midway point of the half.
With BCU leading by double digits, 56-42, the teams traded baskets down the stretch. In the final eight minutes, the Chargers were able to cling to their lead with free throws and tough defense for the 70-59 win.
Derek Merwick led the Warriors with 25 points while pulling down 7 rebounds. Jake Orr finished with 14 points while Jeffrey Rozelle III grabbed a team-high 8 rebounds on the night.
For the game, Midland shot 23-of-55 (41.5%), while Briar Cliff was 22-of-54 (40.7%). BCU had an advantage in points off turnovers, scoring 25 points off of 17 Midland turnovers. The rebounding edge was even while the Warriors controlled the paint with a 34 to 24 advantage.
“Tough night. First time we struggled offensively in a while, the ball was sticky tonight and we didn’t move it well,” stated head coach Tyler Erwin. “We had too many turnovers as well. Our mental, physical, and emotional toughness must be better; especially trying to win on the road. A ton of credit to Briar Cliff, they are playing well.”
Midland (9-13, 4-10 GPAC) will return home to take on Dordt (16-5, 9-4 GPAC) this weekend. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 3 inside the Wikert Event Center in Fremont, Nebraska.
