The #25 Briar Cliff men’s basketball team’s win streak came to an end Saturday with a 75-68 loss to Dakota Wesleyan in the Newman Flanagan Center. The Chargers move to 15-7 overall and 11-3 in conference play.
Conner Groves knocked down a 3-pointer to give BC a 10-8 lead six minutes into the game. Jeffrey Schuch answered with a trey and the Tigers held onto the lead for the remainder of the half. Behind an 8-0 run, the Tigers took their largest lead of the game 34-20 with 4:22 left in the half. Over the next three minutes, BC scored 11 unanswered points to cut the deficit to three, 34-31. Jaden Kleinhesselink scored eight points over the run with two 3-pointers. The Chargers trailed 37-31 after 20 minutes of play.
BC cut the Tiger edge to three points or less multiple times in the second half but were unable to gain a lead over the final 20 minutes. The score was tied twice in the second half. DWU closed out the contest going 10-for-10 from the free throw line over the final 1:36 of play.
Quinn Vesey led the Cliff with 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Kleinhesselink and Groves added 11 points apiece. Nick Hoyt chipped in 10 points off the bench on 4-for-4 shooting.
Koln Oppold paced the Tigers with 22 points on 10-for-19 shooting. Nick Wittler added 17 points with five 3-pointers. Schuch chipped in nine points and 10 boards.
The Chargers are back on Ray Nacke Court Wednesday when they host Mount Marty. Tip-off is set for 7:45 p.m.
