by Dubuque, IA – The Loras College Duhawks dominated the Principia College Panthers in their season opener 103-61. This was also both teams’ first game of the Mike Molstead Motors Tip-Off Classic. The Duhawks came out of the tournament with two wins, a great way to start the season.
First Half
The Duhawks went on a 10-point run defending their basket perfectly. They were able to keep themselves separated the entire game. The Panthers got the game within 6 points with 11:32 left in the first half but then the offensive exploded. This was thanks to multiple back-to-back points from Declan Ciurlik, Tyler Bass, Jared Pearson, Jackson Molsted, and Ali Sabet. There was never a doubt the Duhawks were going to win this game. The question was how much they would win by. The Duhawks went into halftime up by 20, they were leading 46-26.
Second Half
The Duhawks came out once again ready to go scoring the first handful of points again this half. Loras College was able to get the whole team into the game at one point or another. Halfway through with 10 minutes left the Duhawks ran away with the game, separating themselves by thirty-three points. With less than two minutes, Nolan Berendes put the Duhawks at 100, and then Kyle Maybrun would have the final shot of the game with a 3-pointer sealing the Panther’s faith. Duhawks win 103-61.
Game Leaders
In his first game with the Duhawks Molsted led the team with 24 minutes in the game, 20 total points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. He was shooting 61.5% from the floor that game. Right behind him was Sabet with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. Then Pearson who had 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. And then Ciurlik who had 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. All three of them were in for at least 15 minutes.
Team Stats
Loras College’s defense was phenomenal. They were able to force 21 turnovers, 11 steals, and had 5 blocks. The Panthers were only able to shoot 50% from anywhere on the court. The Duhawks were dominating in the boards, the team had 41 total rebounds and won 14 offensively compared to Principia’s 5.
Team Updates
The Duhawks took on Concordia University Wisconsin this afternoon for game two of the Mike Molstead Motors Tip-Off Classic and were able to soar past the Falcons. Loras College defeated Concordia University Wisconsin 87-75, another 80+ point game for the Duhawks but this one was a bit of a nail-biter.
Up Next: The Loras College Duhawks will take on the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) on Tuesday the 14th at 7 p.m. in Cedar Rapids. The game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
