MITCHELL, S.D. — No. 9 Dakota Wesleyan let a double-digit halftime lead slip away Wednesday night as No. 1 Dordt stormed back for a 65-59 victory in Great Plains Athletic Conference play.
The Tigers (21-6, 17-4 GPAC) led 31-22 at the break and were in control through two quarters before the top-ranked Defenders (26-1, 20-1 GPAC) flipped the game with a dominant third quarter. Dordt outscored DWU 24-13 in the period and added a 19-15 edge in the fourth to complete the comeback.
Dakota Wesleyan set the tone early, closing the first quarter on a 5-0 run to lead 16-11. The Tigers extended their advantage to as many as 12 points in the second quarter, highlighted by a 3-pointer and strong inside play from Emma Yost, who finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Avery Broughton added a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds, helping DWU to a 43-21 advantage on the boards. The Tigers shot 43% from the field but struggled from long range, hitting just 2 of 13 attempts from 3-point range.
Dordt, meanwhile, leaned on standout guard Macy Sievers, who poured in a game-high 27 points, including 11-of-14 from the free-throw line. Sievers also added six assists and six steals, sparking a defensive effort that forced 26 Tiger turnovers and led to 17 Dordt steals overall.
After trailing 42-33 midway through the third quarter, the Defenders closed the period on a 17-2 run to seize control. Dakota Wesleyan was unable to regain momentum down the stretch as Dordt converted key free throws in the final minutes to seal the win.
The loss drops DWU to 21-6 overall and 17-4 in the GPAC. The Tigers wrap up the regular season Saturday on the road at Northwestern, with tipoff set for 5 p.m.