Top-seeded Dakota Wesleyan put the clamps on fifth-seeded Briar Cliff's offense in a 73-55 GPAC semifinal game in Mitchell, S.D. The Chargers shot only 42.9 percent from the field, including 21.1 percent from three-point land (4-19).
The Chargers led for much of the first half, but trailed 26-22 at the break. A 4-0 run to start the second half, tied the score. The NAIA No. 7 Tigers then went on a 16-0 run to take control of the game. They led several times by as many as 21 points.
Chase Vander Feen was the only Charger to reach double figures, finishing with 10 points. Kyle Swanson came off the bench to score eight. Matt Geelan, James Larson and Ben Sitzmann each added seven, while Kyle Semprini added six. Michael Collison and Brent Miller each contributed three, while Eric Rohe and John Engler rounded out the Chargers' scoring with two points apiece. Geelan and Semprini led the Chargers on the glass with five rebounds apiece.
Despite not practicing yesterday, the Tigers looked sharp. They shot 54.7 percent from the floor, including 73.9 percent from the floor in the second half. Preston Broughton led the Tigers with 19 points, while Darrin Dorsey chipped in 16. Brady Wiebe registered a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double. He also led the team with five assists. Mitch Bain added a dozen points for the Chargers. The Tigers outrebounded the Chargers, 36-27.
The Tigers improved to 26-5, tying a school record. They advance to Tuesday's GPAC Championship game, while the Chargers fell to 23-9.