MITCHELL, S.D. — Dakota Wesleyan Men’s Basketball squared off against the Doane Tigers in home GPAC action for the first time in 2026.
Dakota Wesleyan had the early advantage after taking a 10-point, 17-7 lead just under six minutes into the contest thanks to a flurry of threes from Tyson Stevenson. Stevenson led DWU in scoring with 18 total points and was aided by Anthony Riggans and Steele Morgan in the starting rotation, including Riggans posting nine and the Mitchell native, Steele, recording 10. Doane was able to piece its offensive effort back together to get back within striking distance of Dakota Wesleyan, and while DU was able to take a one-point lead towards the end of the half, DWU was able to hold steady to keep a 30-29 lead into the locker room.
The added efforts of Randy Rosenquist Jr. and Easton Neuendorf were felt as both got more involved and saw Rosenquist Jr. post three points alongside six boards and four assists, while the true freshman Neuendorf added eight points to the statsheet. Doane fared a bit better in the paint, scoring 28 points towards the basket, but the range of Dakota Wesleyan gave the Tigers of South Dakota a lead through the halftime break and into the second half, including an 11-22 (50%) overall clip from the field at the end of the first half.
Both the Tigers of Doane and Dakota Wesleyan locked down defensively out of the break, slowing the pace of the game down a bit while also making possessions increasingly important down the stretch. Oliver Vincent continues to see his minutes increase as he recovers from an injury, posting eight points off the bench for DWU, while the starting rotation continued to scrap with the Doane opposition.
The defensive effort down the stretch was impressive, and it was able to keep Doane in check. CJ Banks, Noah Oberfeld, and Gavin Hinker all made contributions on the scoreboard off the bench to aid the offensive attack, but the continued stout play from both defensive units prevented extensive scoring opportunities throughout the second half. Stevenson and Banks added big three-point shots to push DWU past the 50-point mark with just under seven minutes remaining, but the continued push in the paint from Doane kept the contest within just a single possession.
Doane claimed a one-point lead with under a minute to play at 56-55, but two made free throws from Morgan following a Doane foul put DWU back in the lead with just 36 seconds to play. However, a three-pointer from Doane with 7.4 seconds on the clock put them back at a 59-57 advantage over Dakota Wesleyan. DWU would get a final attempt in regulation from Vincent, who sank the layup as time expired to set the score to 59-59 and force overtime.
Dakota Wesleyan fought through the final five minutes of the game in overtime, but an early Doane advantage kept DWU out of range even with a surging offensive effort, ultimately ending the contest 73-66 in favor of DU.
DWU Men’s Basketball will be back in action against the Mount Marty Lancers at the Corn Palace on Saturday, January 10th, at 3:45 PM.