MOORHEAD, Minn. - Andrew VanHavermaet's three-point basket off a Jimmy Johnson steal at the end of tonight's game was a microcosm of the successful Dragon's game plan: stifling defense leading to three-point success. The Dragons defeated the Mayville State University Comets 71-45 at Alex Nemzek Fieldhouse.

Dragon guard Charlie Chapman hit four three-pointers helping MSUM open to a 16-3 lead in the first six minutes. The Dragons continued to find success from three-point range, as Jake Driscoll and Scott Kenny each had two, for a first-half total of 8-for-17, 47.1 percent, from three.

Much of the Dragon's outside success came as a result of the tough defense. MSU's Gus Kueber played around the basketball, tallying three blocks in the first half and four for the game. “[Mayville States defense] changed a lot of our shots in the lane,” noted Charlie Chapman. “They forced us to work inside out.”

The Comets continued to mix their defensive looks throughout the first half, attempting to slow down MSUM's fast paced transition game. Coming out of a timeout, the Comets switched to a one-three-one trap; however, the Dragons responded with Jake Driscoll hitting back-to-back three pointers and opening a 30-10 lead.

The Dragons played a strong defensive game of their own, forcing nine turnovers, four blocked shots, and four steals in the first half. Chapman focused on MSUM's defense, not the offense, as the key to the Dragons' success in tonight's win. “Our defense is our identity. Coach says that if we win a game, we'll win by defense.”

The frustration with the Dragons tough defense was evident for the Comets, as Adam Edwards was charged with a technical foul with 1:52 remaining in the half. Driscoll hit both free throws, moving the Dragons to a 41-19 lead and finishing the half up 41-21. The Dragons shot 12-for-30 from the field, forty percent.

The Dragons played more ball-control during the second-half, working the shot clock under five seconds before attempting many shots. MSUM was satisfied working the clock and dominating the time of possession, with the first points coming almost two and a half minutes into the second half with a DJ Hamilton three-pointer.

Hamilton's floating layup with 5:10 remaining in regulation was indicative of the Dragon's offensive patience. “We didn't want to chuck,” Charlie Chapman said after the game. “We wanted to work our offense for the good shot.”

Hawley native Andrew VanHavermaet brought some of the loudest cheers from the crowd all night when he scored the final two baskets of the night when he hit a three-pointer with just over one minute remaining, only to follow with another forty seconds later.

The Dragon men will host the Concordia Cobbers November 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Alex Nemzek Fieldhouse.

Steve D'Eustachio's Stat of the Game: Andrew VanHavermaet's six points were the most he has scored since last February 4, when he had nine points against Northern State.

Box Score