Warriors Outlast Waldorf in High-Scoring Battle

FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University hosted Waldorf University in a thrilling Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) matchup on a snowy afternoon. In a fierce battle of the Warriors that featured eight ties and 10 lead changes, Midland emerged victorious with a hard-fought 105-94 win.

Jake Orr set the tone early, opening the game with a layup to spark a 10-3 run, prompting an early timeout from Waldorf. Following the break, the teams traded baskets in a back-and-forth exchange. Waldorf responded with a 6-2 run, tying the game at 15-15. Jeff Rozelle III answered with a basket to regain a 17-15 lead for Midland, but Waldorf quickly evened the score at 17-17 from the free-throw line.

Orr and Mason Strong fueled a 4-0 run to create some separation, but Waldorf countered with a three-pointer to tie the game at 23-23. The visitors then applied pressure with a 6-1 run to take a 28-23 lead. Orr continued to battle for Midland, contributing to a 4-2 run as the teams exchanged baskets. Back-to-back scores from Noah Sandbothe and Orr tied the game once again at 33-33.

Midland ignited an 8-0 run to take a 50-42 lead, with four of those points coming from the free-throw line. Waldorf responded with a 5-0 run in the final minute of the half, but Nick Dolezal's last-second basket sent Midland into halftime with a 51-47 advantage.

"Offensively, we did a lot of good things—scoring 105 points, recording 22 assists, and making 37 baskets," said head coach Tyler Erwin. "We got to the free-throw line, shot a high percentage, and all of that adds up. Waldorf is better than its record suggests. On film, they run solid sets and execute well, and they can beat anyone on any given night, as they proved tonight."

After the break, Orr once again set the pace, opening the second half with a layup that fueled an 11-3 run, extending Midland's lead to 62-50. The teams continued to trade baskets before Waldorf called a timeout to regroup. Sandbothe then sparked a 6-0 run, prompting another timeout from the visitors. The back-and-forth battle continued as Ryan Larsen scored five straight points, but Waldorf quickly answered with a 5-0 run of their own, leading Midland to call a timeout.

"We always say in the locker room or at practice that at some point, they'll break, but as a team, we bend but don't break," added Coach Erwin. "Waldorf can score in bunches and shot really well, putting up 94 points while shooting at those percentages—credit to them for their performance."

As the game neared its conclusion, Orr and Larsen combined for a 6-1 run, pushing Midland's score into triple digits at 101-91. Butch Lordeus and Trey McCain sealed the victory with a 4-3 run, securing the 105-94 win.

Midland shot an efficient 37-of-61 (60.7%) from the field, while Waldorf finished 30-of-60 (50%). The Warriors also dominated the boards, out-rebounding Waldorf 40-24.

Orr led the way with a double-double, recording 25 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Larsen and Rozelle each contributed 14 points, while Lordeus added 13, and Strong finished with 11.

"I'm really pleased with how everyone contributed, both offensively and defensively," Erwin said. "We made adjustments, switched up lineups on the fly, and right now, we're a dangerous team because we can play in so many different ways. Wednesday night is Senior Night, and our guys will be fired up and ready."

Midland (12-15, 7-12 GPAC) will host Hastings (3-22, 2-16 GPAC) in its final regular-season matchup. The game will feature Senior Day celebrations for the Class of 2025, with a white-out theme. Tip-off is set for 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19 in Fremont.