CRETE, Neb. — Dakota Wesleyan survived a back-and-forth battle and pulled away in overtime Saturday night, edging Doane (Neb.) 84–81 at the Haddix Center.
The Tigers improved to 13–11 overall and 8–8 in conference play with the road victory, while Doane fell to 11–14 (5–12).
Neither team led by more than single digits all night, and the game featured 12 ties and 11 lead changes before Dakota Wesleyan finally created separation in the extra period.
Doane took a slim 35–34 lead into halftime after closing the first half on an 8–0 run, but Dakota Wesleyan responded with steady shooting and timely stops in the second half. Tyson Stevenson hit five three-pointers and scored a game-high 25 points, including several key baskets that kept DWU within striking distance during Doane runs.
With Doane leading 69–67 late in regulation, Randy Rosenquist Jr. tied the game with a jumper with 38 seconds left, sending the contest to overtime after both teams came up empty on their final possessions.
In the extra session, Easton Neuendorf opened overtime with a clutch three-pointer, and Dakota Wesleyan never trailed again. Neuendorf finished with 17 points, five assists, and knocked down critical free throws in the final seconds to seal the win.
Rosenquist Jr. delivered a strong all-around performance, posting 14 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, including a dagger three with 28 seconds left in overtime that pushed the lead to five. Gavin Hinker added energy off the bench with six points, four rebounds, and a late block that helped preserve the advantage.
Dakota Wesleyan shot 44 percent from the field and matched Doane with 11 three-pointers, while winning the rebounding battle 42–34.
Doane was led by Jack Wilson’s 20 points and Casen Chaney’s 18, while Jonan Claussen added 13 points. Despite shooting 45 percent from the floor, the Tigers committed 15 turnovers, several of which turned into key Dakota Wesleyan scores in overtime.