WAYNE, Neb. – To open the 2022-23 regular season, the MSUM men's basketball team picked up a win over Oklahoma Baptist in the NSIC-GAC Challenge. The Dragons topped the Bison with a 76-67 final.
The Dragons opened up a little slow offensively, but were able to stay competitive thanks to their effort defensively. Oklahoma Baptist only scored 29 points in the first 20 minutes on 32 percent shooting. It was four three-point first half field goals by the Bison that helped them build an early lead. However, 12 first half points from
Lorenzo McGhee helped the Dragons pull close midway through the half.
That coupled with eight Oklahoma Baptist turnovers drove the Dragons back in front as the half was drawing to a close. With a 33-29 lead at the half, MSUM was aided by nine first half points by
Jaden Stanley-Williams and six apiece from
Dane Zimmer and
Gavin Baumgartner. The story of the day will be MSUM's advantage on the glass. The Dragons held a 14-rebound advantage in the first half with McGhee and Zimmer each grabbing seven rebounds each.
The Dragons were able to take command of the game in the second half again thanks to the offensive performance of McGhee. The senior finished with 24 points, a game-high and hauled in nine rebounds. On 39 percent shooting, McGhee was efficient with his shots, including going 10 for 11 from the free throw line.
As a team, MSUM shot 39.1 percent and nailed a valuable 82.6 percent clip from the free throw line. The Dragon defense forced 21 turnovers and MSUM dominated on the glass for the full 40 minutes. By game's end, the Dragons held a 24-rebound advantage over Oklahoma Baptist.
In the victory, Dragon head coach
Tim Bergstraser picked up his first win as a collegiate head coach.
Top Dragons
Number Of The Night
- MSUM was in command of the rebounding battle this evening, outrebouding Oklahoma Baptist 51-27, a 24 rebound advantage.
MSUM will complete their play at the NSIC-GAC Challenge tomorrow afternoon when they face off with Southeastern Oklahoma State. That game is scheduled to tip off at 4 p.m. from Wayne.
