Courtesy of Midland Athletics
FREMONT, Neb. — Midland University was back in action at home in the Wikert Event Center against (RV) Hastings College. Despite a strong offensive first half from behind the arc, the Broncos’ full-court pressure proved too much for the Warriors as Midland fell to Hastings, 108-54.
Hastings opened the game on a 7-0 run, prompting an early Midland timeout. After the break, the Broncos continued to extend their lead before a three-pointer by Skylar Indra put Midland on the board. The teams traded baskets over the next two minutes, and the Warriors slowly chipped away at the deficit. Back-to-back three-pointers by Jenna Weberhelped build momentum, but Hastings held a 19-12 lead with 1:30 remaining in the first quarter. After free throws and a three-pointer by the Broncos, Weber stayed hot from deep, knocking down two more three-pointers and cutting the deficit to six. Midland trailed 24-18 at the end of the quarter.
A jumper by Ellie Bovaird cut the deficit to four early in the second, but a three-pointer by Stella Heapy helped Hastings regain control. Two quick free throws and another three-pointer pushed the Broncos’ lead to 12 with just over seven minutes left. The teams continued to trade baskets before back-to-back baskets from Mariyah Avila stretched the lead to 37-22. Weber kept Midland within reach with two more three-pointers and a jumper. After trading free throws to close the half, the Warriors trailed 45-34 entering the locker room.
After halftime, Hastings opened the third quarter on a 14-0 run, forcing another Midland timeout. Out of the break, the Broncos’ pressure defense and efficient shooting held the Warriors scoreless for more than five minutes, prompting another timeout. Two three-pointers by Tyra Berry and a jumper by Zoey Sims helped shift momentum, but Hastings led 70-42 with just under 3:30 left in the quarter. The Broncos closed the frame on a 10-0 run and took an 80-42 lead into the fourth.
Both teams traded baskets early in the final quarter, but a layup and free throw by Ann Bose stretched Hastings’ lead to 89-44 and triggered another Midland timeout. The Broncos continued to extend the lead with a layup and three-pointer before back-to-back layups from Aiyana Kroll prompted a Hastings timeout. The Warriors continued to battle down the stretch, but the Broncos secured the win.
Weber led Midland with 22 points, while Berry finished with eight points and five rebounds.
Midland shot 20-for-53 (37.7%) from the field, while Hastings finished 37-for-77 (48.1%).
Midland (0-9, 0-5 GPAC) will host Waldorf (1-8, 0-4 GPAC) on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Wikert Event Center. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
