The Dordt Defender men battled through a tough first half and executed in the final minutes to take a 79-72 win over Peru State in non-conference basketball at the DeWitt Gym in Sioux Center, Iowa. Dordt withstood a 34 point outburst by the Bobcats’ Jibril Harris, securing the win with a balanced effort.
The game was a back and forth affair in the first half with Peru State making it difficult for Dordt to get into a flow. Back to back baskets by Man Man Baker, Jibril Harris and Tyrece Griggs put the visitors up 31-24 with 3:04 left in the half. Jackson Louscher converted a three-point pay to stop the bleeding and Cade Bleeker knocked down a three-point shot after a turnover to get within 31-30. The teams swapped baskets and free throws in the final minute and the game was tied 34-34 at halftime.
With five minutes gone in the second half Peru State went on an 8-0 run to lead 50-45 with Harris scoring five of the eight points. The Defenders came back with a pair of baskets and a Jacob Vis dunk with 10:28 left in the game gave Dordt the lead at 53-52. Two free throws by Harris gave Peru State the last lead they would hold at the 10:05 mark.
A Rankin basket followed by back to back buckets by Vis put Dordt up 59-54 and the Defenders never led by less than three the rest of the game. A Bleeker three-point shot at the 3:55 mark pu Dordt up seven and Dordt held off each Peru State rally for the 79-72 win.
THE NUMBERS:
Dordt was 29-51 from the field for 57 percent and converted 7-17 three-point shots. Dordt also converted 14-24 free throws.
Peru State was 28-58 from the field for 48 percent and converted 11-14 free throws.
Peru State had a 37-23 rebounding advantage but Dordt committed just six turnovers and none in the second half.
Jacob Vis had 22 points and six rebounds with two assists and two blocked shots.
Cade Bleeker added 20 with five rebounds and Bryce Coppock and Luke Rankin 13 and 12 respectively with five assists each.
Harris had 34 points and 12 rebounds with three steals to pace Peru State.
Dordt is now 9-3 while Peru State is 5-6.
NEXT:
Dordt will travel to Fremont, Nebraska on Saturday, December 4 to face Midland in GPAC play.
