SIOUX CITY, Iowa (Interstat) — The Dordt Defenders used a blistering first-quarter offensive display to overwhelm the Briar Cliff Chargers 90-61 in a men’s NAIA basketball game Wednesday night.

Dordt seized control immediately, racing out to a 49-31 lead after the opening period. The Defenders never looked back, extending their advantage in the second quarter to secure the commanding road victory. The win evens Dordt’s overall record at 5-5, while Briar Cliff falls to 6-3.

The Defenders’ offense operated with exceptional efficiency, scoring 90 points on just 70 possessions for an offensive rating of 128.3. They shot 56.5 percent from the field, connecting on 35 of 62 attempts. Their defense was equally stifling, holding the Chargers to 33.9 percent shooting, including a dismal 4 of 29 from three-point range.

Judson Henkel led a balanced Dordt attack with a game-high 20 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists in just 22 minutes. Ty Van Essen recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Jake Proctor facilitated the offense with 13 points and a game-high six assists. Nick Hanson provided efficient scoring off the bench with 10 points on 5-for-5 shooting.

Briar Cliff struggled to find any consistent rhythm. Joshua Stevenson led the Chargers with 15 points, and Wil Lugar added 10. The team’s 11 turnovers matched Dordt’s, but their cold shooting from deep and a 40-32 deficit in rebounding proved too much to overcome.

Dordt set the tone from the opening tip, starting the game on a 9-0 run highlighted by early three-pointers from Steven Poulicek. Briar Cliff clawed back to within 20-16 midway through the first quarter, but the Defenders answered with another explosive run to rebuild a double-digit lead they would not relinquish.

The Defenders next play at Doane on Saturday. Briar Cliff looks to rebound on the road at Mount Marty, also on Saturday.