Southwest Minnesota State University Athletics

BOX SCORE

MARSHALL, Minn. - Redshirt freshman Jordan Miller scored a game-high 26 points in his first career game, including connecting on a record-tying eight three-pointers to lead No. 22 Southwest Minnesota State to a season-opening 86-59 victory over Dordt College (Iowa) on Tuesday night in Marshall.  The loss was the first of the season for Dordt and drops to 3-1 overall.

Miller scored 17 first half points and was a perfect 6 of 6 shooting from the field, including making five three-pointers to help the Mustangs erase a five-point deficit in the first half and take a commanding 51-25 halftime lead.  His eight three-pointers tied an R/A Facility record; Adam Tesch hit eight three-pointers twice in 2000 and 2001.

Senior Nick Dale came off the bench to score 16 points on 7 of 11 shooting and grab a game-high eight rebounds.  Senior Kevin Andrews added 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while sophomore Trent Carlson rounded out the double figuring scoring for SMSU with 11 points.

SMSU, which played the game without starting point guard DeAnthony Zanders, who missed the game with an injury, trailed 17-12 with just under 13 minutes left in the half before putting together a 15-0 run over the next five minutes to take a 27-17 lead with eight minutes remaining in the half.

Dordt cut the margin to 34-25 with 4:43 on the clock before once again SMSU answered with another big run, this time closing the half on a 17-0 run to build the 26-point halftime lead.

The Mustangs shot 64.5 percent from the field in the opening half and limited the Defenders to just 36.7 percent shooting.  SMSU held a 37-28 rebound advantage and forced Dordt into 19 turnovers.

Trevor Wolterstorff led Dordt with 16 points.

SMSU will continue action this weekend hosting the State Farm Insurance Classic on Friday and Saturday.  The Mustangs will battle Lewis University (1-0) starting at 8 p.m.