Midland Uses Depth to Dominate Union Adventist

FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University hosted Union Adventist University in a non-conference matchup on Monday night at the Wikert Event Center, where the Warriors came out strong and never looked back, securing a dominant 109-55 victory. Four Midland players scored in double figures in the win.

Luke Gdowski and Jake Orr set the tone early, combining for an 8-0 run that forced Union to call a quick timeout. After the break, Union got on the board, but Midland responded with a commanding 15-0 run, pushing their lead to 26-6 with 12 minutes remaining in the first half.

Following a Midland timeout, Isaiah Smith energized the team with a steal and a dunk. Although Union found some rhythm at the free-throw line, both teams traded baskets briefly. Trey McCain's three-pointer sparked an 8-0 run, extending Midland's lead to 40-14. Union managed to keep pace, but a steal by Noah Sandbothe and a McCain assist to Orr for a dunk fueled another 15-0 run to close the half. A three-pointer by Rece Kissinger capped off the first half with a dominant 61-19 lead for Midland.

Union showed some pushback early in the second half, opening with a 9-5 run that led to a Midland timeout. After the break, Ryan Larsen led a 12-2 run, prompting Union to call a timeout of its own. As the game entered the final stretch, both teams exchanged baskets, with Nick Dolezal leading a 12-7 run for Midland.

A dunk by Cole Petersen gave the Warriors a 99-42 lead with seven minutes left. Union responded with a 6-0 run to trim the margin, but Luke Friedrichsen's three-pointer—his first collegiate basket—pushed Midland past the century mark with five minutes remaining. In the final moments, both teams continued to exchange baskets, and Noah Sandbothe capped off the game with a dunk, securing the Warriors' 109-55 victory.

Four Warriors scored in double figures with Jake Orr leading the way with 19 points, all of which came in the opening half. Noah Futch scored 13 while Ryan Larsen had 12 and Jeff Rozelle III added 11. Luke Gdowski and Nick Dolezal each added 9 points.

"We've really focused on creating offense from our defense, and tonight that paid off," commented head coach Tyler Erwin. "We've been getting our hands on balls, closing gaps, and making a concerted effort in that area, and it showed. It's something we've been emphasizing, and the guys really executed. We're a team that can play multiple styles and use a variety of lineups. The key is that players understand they can come in for 3-4 minutes, give it their all, and contribute to winning plays. That's the mentality we've established.

"Jake Orr got us rolling early. He brought a great pace and composure to the game, which is what we expect from a veteran guard. We prepared for this like it was a conference game, and Orr came out ready to lead. When one of your best players sets that tone with energy and composure, it's contagious—it lifts the whole team. Our guys have really developed great energy and chemistry, and I'm pleased with how they performed tonight."

For the game, Midland shot 42-of-78 (53.8%) while limiting Union Adventist to 18-of-61 (29.5%). The Warriors connected on 56% of their three-point attempts and 70.6% from the free-throw line. Midland outrebounded Union 51-35 and capitalized on Union's 23 turnovers with 32 points.

Up next, Midland (3-0) will host Sterling (2-1) for another non-conference game this weekend. The teams will tip off at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9 inside the Wikert Event Center.