SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Dakota Wesleyan University men's basketball team has not found much success in trips to Morningside College over the last few seasons, but the No. 16 Tigers picked up a much needed Great Plains Athletic Conference win over the Mustangs Wednesday in Sioux City, Iowa.
The Tigers looked to be pulling away midway through the second half, but Morningside fought back and forced DWU to make free throws down the stretch. The Tigers had no problem making their freebies, as DWU was 19-of-19 from the line in a 93-90 win. The perfect night from the line is the fifth such performance in DWU history.
The win gives DWU 20 wins for a second-straight season, as the Tigers are now 20-8 overall and 12-6 in the GPAC. The Tigers sit in third place in the GPAC, a half game behind Nebraska Wesleyan University (12-5) and one and a half games up on Midland University (10-7). DWU closes the regular season with two games at the Corn Palace next week.
The Tigers shot 55 percent in the first half, with senior forward Jade Miller (Mitchell, S.D.) leading the way with 15 points as DWU led 50-39 at the break. The Tigers continued to lead by double digits well into the second half, but Morningside made things interesting late. A 13-3 run allowed Morningside to cut the DWU lead to three and the margin was trimmed to a single point several times in the closing minutes. DWU hit big shots and secured the game with free throws to leave Sioux City with the win.
DWU leading scorer Trae Bergh (Crooks, S.D.) had a second stellar performance against Morningside this season. The senior guard scored 28 points on 10-of-13 shooting, while hitting three 3-pointers and dishing out five assists. Miller finished with 22 points and the 3-pointers, while junior guard Tate Martin (Mitchell, S.D.) added 15 points and 10 assists for a double-double. Martin also had three 3-pointers.
Senior forward Terrell Newton (Huron, S.D.) chipped in on both ends of the court with eight points and eight rebounds, while sophomore center Jason Spicer (Sioux Falls, S.D.) had nine points and eight rebounds off the bench.
DWU shot 32-of-60 from the field, 10-of-24 from deep and a perfect 19-of-19 from the line.
Morningside was led by Ryan Tegtmeier with 26 points and six rebounds, while Bryce Koch added 19 points. The Mustangs shot 33-of-65 from the field, 5-of-19 from 3-point range and 19-of-24 from the free-throw line.
The Tigers host Northwestern College for a GPAC matchup at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D.