MITCHELL, S.D. (Interstat) — The Dakota Wesleyan Tigers avenged an early-season blowout with a methodical 88-78 victory over the Concordia Bulldogs in a NAIA men’s basketball game Sunday at the Corn Palace.

The win, fueled by a balanced offensive attack and a decisive advantage in free throw execution down the stretch, evened Dakota Wesleyan’s season record at 9-9. Concordia, which had routed the Tigers by 32 points in Seward, Nebraska, on Dec. 6, fell to 13-7.

The most critical phase of the game occurred in the final minute, as Dakota Wesleyan sealed the win at the free throw line. Leading 82-78 with 41 seconds remaining, the Tigers went 6-for-6 from the stripe over three separate trips to build an insurmountable 88-78 lead. Concordia, which had battled to keep the deficit within a single possession for much of the second half, could not answer as time expired.

The contest was characterized by consistent offensive output from the home team. Dakota Wesleyan scored 44 points in each half, maintaining steady pressure. Concordia kept pace early, trailing just 44-40 at halftime, but could not string together enough stops to overtake the Tigers in the second period.

Easton Neuendorf and Steele Morgan led Dakota Wesleyan with 19 points apiece. Neuendorf added five assists, while Morgan shot efficiently from the field. Randy Rosenquist Jr. recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Anthony Riggans provided 16 points and six rebounds.

For Concordia, Brooks Kissinger and Dane Jacobsen shouldered much of the scoring load, consistently attacking the basket. Jaxon Stueve also contributed key baskets inside. Logan Wilson finished with seven points and six rebounds for the Bulldogs.

The game’s tempo was set from the opening tip. Steele Morgan hit a 3-pointer for Dakota Wesleyan just 23 seconds into the game, and the teams traded baskets in a high-scoring first quarter. The Tigers never relinquished that initial lead, though Concordia stayed within striking distance throughout.

Dakota Wesleyan’s victory defied the pregame statistical projection from Interstat’s ELO system, which gave Concordia a 71.4 percent probability to win.

Concordia returns home to face Midland on Wednesday. Dakota Wesleyan travels to face Morningside (Iowa), also on Wednesday.