Courtesy of Midland Athletics
FREMONT, Neb. — Midland University welcomed Doane University on Wednesday evening for a midweek Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) matchup. An efficient first half from behind the arc and a 32-point first quarter by the Tigers proved to be too much to overcome, as the Warriors fell, 77-39.
Doane opened the scoring with a layup, but Midland quickly responded with a 3-pointer by Ciera Jorge to take a 3-2 lead. A 6-0 run by the Tigers regained their lead, prompting a Midland timeout. Out of the break, Doane continued to build momentum offensively. A 27-0 run helped stretch the Tigers’ lead to 29-3 with one minute remaining in the first quarter. A jumper by Jenna Weber snapped a scoring drought of more than seven minutes and cut the deficit to 29-5. A layup by Mya Lempp followed, but Doane led 32-7 at the end of the opening quarter.
The teams traded baskets to open the second quarter, with Doane maintaining a 36-9 advantage. A quick 4-0 run extended the Tigers’ lead to 31 before Weber answered with two free throws, then added two more with 5:10 remaining in the first half. Doane responded with a layup by Megan Chambers to regain momentum. Two free throws by Weber and a layup from Ellie Bovaird sparked an 11-2 run for the Warriors over the next 3:52, trimming the deficit to 45-22. Midland outscored Doane 7-3 to close the quarter, but the Tigers carried a 48-22 lead into halftime.
Following the intermission, a 3-pointer by Mattea Kassebaum helped Doane regain control. Midland answered with two free throws from Weber with 12:22 remaining in the third quarter before the teams once again traded baskets. Despite an offensive push from the Warriors, the Tigers maintained a 61-33 advantage. Doane closed the quarter on a 7-0 run and led 68-33 heading into the fourth.
A layup and free throw by Tyra Berry to complete a three-point play halted an 11-minute scoring drought for the Warriors. Midland continued to battle, getting a 3-pointer from Berry, but a jumper by Madison Lopez helped Doane secure the 77-39 victory.
Weber led Midland with 11 points, while Jorge added 10. The Warriors shot 12 of 51 (23.5%) from the field, while the Tigers finished 28 of 64 (43.8%). Doane held a 45-38 rebounding advantage.
Midland (2-16, 1-11 GPAC) begins a stretch of road games with a Saturday trip to face Waldorf (2-16, 1-11 GPAC) in Forest City, Iowa. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. inside the Hanson Fieldhouse on January 17.
