Courtesy of Midland Athletics
FREMONT, Neb. — Midland University returned to action Saturday afternoon, continuing Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) play with a matchup against Northwestern University. The game featured three ties and three lead changes, but a balanced offensive effort across all four quarters helped the Red Raiders pull away for an 84-60 victory.
Midland opened the game on a quick 5-0 run with a layup by Jenna Weber and a 3-pointer from Ellie Bovaird. Northwestern responded with two free throws from Margo Schuiteman to cut the lead to three before a 3-pointer by Allison Piercy tied the game at 5-5. The Red Raiders took the lead on a layup from Schuiteman, but the Warriors quickly answered with a 3-pointer by Mya Lempp to regain the advantage. A 4-0 run by Midland stretched the lead to 12-7 with 6:12 remaining in the first quarter. The two teams traded baskets over the next 2:30, with Midland maintaining the lead, before Northwestern used a 4-0 run to regain the advantage, prompting a Warrior timeout. After the break, the teams traded baskets again, but the Red Raiders closed the quarter on an 8-0 run to take a 27-19 lead into the second quarter.
A layup by Weber opened the second quarter and cut the deficit to six, but Northwestern responded with two free throws from Ashtyn Wobig to maintain control. Midland’s offense stalled over the next several minutes as the Red Raiders gained momentum. Northwestern outscored Midland 12-0 over a 2:40 stretch to extend the lead to 39-21, prompting another Warrior timeout. Out of the break, two free throws by Bovaird cut the deficit to 16, but Northwestern answered with a jumper by Emily Terwee. Midland continued to battle back with a 3-pointer from Bovaird, but back-to-back baskets by the Red Raiders pushed the lead further. A jumper from Bovaird and a 3-pointer from Weber cut the deficit to 46-31 with 45 seconds remaining in the half. Northwestern closed the second quarter on a 4-0 run to take a 50-31 lead into halftime.
The teams traded baskets to open the third quarter, but Northwestern maintained control and pushed the lead to 60-40, prompting a Midland timeout. Following the break, a free throw by Cierra Barbary cut the deficit to 19 with 7:10 remaining. A layup by Ciera Jorgeended a short Red Raider run, before both offenses briefly stalled. Two free throws by Weber sparked a 6-0 Midland run that trimmed the deficit to 65-49. Northwestern responded with a 6-0 run of its own to extend the lead to 22. The Warriors answered with a free throw from Bovaird and a 3-pointer from Weber, but the Red Raiders led 72-53 heading into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter opened as a defensive battle, with no points scored in the first 2:30. Free throws and a layup by Schuiteman ended the drought, and Allie Hakimzadeh answered with a 3-pointer. The teams traded baskets once again before a Midland timeout. Northwestern closed the game on a 4-0 run to secure the 84-60 victory.
“We battled, but struggled to get over the top,” said head coach Chris Burks. “We needed a couple more defensive stops and had to work harder on fronting the post and taking away a few more 3-pointers. Offensively, we took good shots — we just needed to finish better in the paint. We made some good passes and plays, but couldn’t finish consistently.”
Bovaird led Midland with 20 points, while Weber added 19. The Warriors shot 19-of-60 (31.7%) from the field, while Northwestern finished 32-of-68 (47.1%). The Red Raiders also held a 49-34 advantage on the glass.
Midland (3-18, 2-13 GPAC) begins a two-game road trip Saturday, Jan. 31, with a matchup against Morningside (11-10, 6-9 GPAC). Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. at the Rosen Verdoorn Sports Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
