Dordt Defeats Mount Marty, 76-59

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – The Mount Marty Lancers couldn't overcome a slow first half, falling 76-59 to the Dordt Defenders in GPAC play.

Dordt (28-2, 18-2 GPAC) jumped out to a 36-20 halftime lead, using a strong defensive effort to stifle Mount Marty (10-18, 7-15 GPAC). Despite a more competitive second half, where the Lancers outscored Dordt 39-40, the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

First Half: Dordt's Defense Sets the Tone

The game started with a slow pace, with both teams struggling to find an early rhythm. Mount Marty kept it close through the first eight minutes, trailing 10-7, but Dordt's defensive pressure began to wear the Lancers down.

• Lucas Lorenzen sparked the Defenders with nine quick points, hitting a three-pointer and converting a tough layup in traffic.
• Turnovers haunted Mount Marty, as the Lancers committed nine first-half giveaways, leading to easy transition buckets for Dordt.
• Dordt's ball movement was crisp, resulting in nine first-half assists compared to Mount Marty's three.

The turning point came in the final five minutes before halftime. After Tash Lunday's layup cut the lead to 21-16, Dordt responded with a 15-4 run to close the half. Luke Rankin orchestrated the offense, assisting on three straight buckets, including a deep three by Connor Millikan to extend the lead to 36-20 at the break.

Second Half: Mount Marty's Surge Falls Short

Mount Marty came out with more urgency after halftime, looking to chip away at the 16-point deficit. Sutton Arendstarted the half aggressively, scoring six quick points and pulling down three rebounds in the first four minutes. The Lancers went on a 9-2 run, cutting the lead to 38-29, forcing a Dordt timeout.

Dordt quickly responded. Lorenzen hit back-to-back threes, and Ben Fairclough grabbed an offensive rebound for a putback, pushing the lead back to 46-31.

• Tash Lunday fought to keep the Lancers in it, scoring 12 second-half points, but he struggled to get to the free-throw line, finishing just 4-of-7 from the stripe.
• Mount Marty improved their shooting in the second half, hitting 52% from the field compared to 38% in the first, but their struggles from three (2-for-11 overall) continued to limit their offensive output.
• Dordt's discipline at the free-throw line proved crucial, as they converted 15-of-20, while Mount Marty only attempted eight free throws all game.

The Lancers made one final push with seven minutes left. After a Brandon Garcia steal led to a layup, Mount Marty cut the lead to 58-49. However, Dordt's Luke Rankin calmly drained a three, and the Defenders closed the game on an 18-10 run to seal the win.

Key Performers for Mount Marty:

• Tash Lunday led all Lancers with 18 points and 6 rebounds.
• Sutton Arend recorded another double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
• Damon Opdahl chipped in 8 points, hitting two three-pointers.
• Jake Jensen provided 6 points off the bench on 3-of-4 shooting.

Dordt's Standouts:

• Lucas Lorenzen dominated with 24 points and 9 rebounds, including three made three-pointers.
• Luke Rankin played a key role with 14 points, 7 assists, and 6-for-6 free throw shooting.
• Ben Fairclough was strong in the post, adding 10 points and 9 rebounds.
• Dordt's defense held Mount Marty to just 18.2% shooting from three-point range (2-for-11).

Game Breakdown:

• Dordt's Ball Movement: The Defenders recorded 16 assists, compared to Mount Marty's 8.
• Bench Production: Dordt's reserves contributed 12 points, while Mount Marty's added 16.
• Turnover Woes: Mount Marty committed 17 turnovers, leading to easy transition opportunities for Dordt.