Tigers Seek Season Sweep in Nebraska Showdown

CRETE, Neb. (Interstat) — A month after a thrilling overtime clash, the Dakota Wesleyan and Doane men’s basketball teams will renew their rivalry Sunday when the Tigers visit the Tigers at the Haddix Center.

The visiting Dakota Wesleyan Tigers (10-11) will look to avenge a 73-66 overtime loss to Doane on Jan. 7 in Mitchell, South Dakota. The rematch finds both NAIA programs seeking momentum in the final stretch of the season.

Dakota Wesleyan arrives with a slight edge in the standings and fresh off an 83-70 home victory over Hastings on Jan. 31. The team is powered by forward Anthony Riggans, who is averaging 17.1 points per game over his last seven contests. Riggans scored 22 points in the win over Hastings and has been a consistent force, reaching double figures in scoring in 13 consecutive games.

The home Doane Tigers (7-13) have struggled lately, entering on a five-game losing streak. Their most recent outing was an 85-69 defeat to Concordia (Neb.) on Wednesday. Guard Justus Gardiner has been a bright spot, leading Doane in scoring in two of its last three games, including an 18-point performance against Concordia.

In the first meeting, Doane rallied to force overtime and outscored Dakota Wesleyan 13-6 in the extra period. That game sparked divergent paths; Dakota Wesleyan has gone 5-3 since, while Doane has posted a 1-7 record.

The game will feature two of the conference’s top individual talents in Riggans and Gardiner, but Dakota Wesleyan’s supporting cast has shown more firepower recently. Easton Neuendorf poured in 25 points against Hastings, and Randy Rosenquist Jr. nearly recorded a triple-double with 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists in that game.

For Doane, halting its skid will require containing Riggans and finding consistent scoring beyond Gardiner. Casen Chaney, who had 17 points in the loss to Concordia, will be a key factor.

Tipoff is set for Sunday afternoon in Crete. Dakota Wesleyan will look to even the season series, while Doane aims to replicate its January resilience and sweep the regular-season series.