Men's Basketball Knocks Off No. 3 Northwestern to Open GPAC Play

CRETE, Neb. — Doane Men's Basketball opened GPAC play in impressive fashion on Saturday afternoon, outlasting NAIA No. 3 Northwestern 75–71 inside the Haddix Center behind a poised second-half performance and breakthrough efforts from freshmen Trevon Beckman and Justus Gardiner. According to the computer rankings at masseyratings.com, Doane - ranked 130th - entered the game with a 14-percent chance to knock of the Red Raiders - ranked 2nd in the computer poll.

The Tigers trailed by as many as eight late in the first half, but Doane settled in defensively and gradually took control, outscoring the Red Raiders 38–32 after halftime. The win pushes Doane to 5–2 (1–0 GPAC) on the season.

Northwestern's All-American Jesse Van Kalsbeek carried the visitors with 38 points and 15 rebounds, but Doane countered with a balanced team-oriented attack, placing three players in double figures and shooting an even 50 percent from the field.

The Tigers' late push was fueled by two of their youngest players.

Beckman delivered one of the best all-around performances of his young career, finishing with 18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists. Nine of his points came after halftime, including a pair of critical second-half threes that halted Northwestern momentum and helped swing the lead back toward the Tigers. His activity on the glass — seven second-half rebounds — ignited Doane's offensive game.

Gardiner was equally impactful, posting 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists while committing no fouls in 40 minutes of action. After scoring just three points before the break, the freshman forward erupted for 12 points in the second half, attacking the rim, knocking down a three, and going 3-for-3 at the line as Doane built its advantage. His composure and decision-making steadied the Tigers during multiple key possessions.

Jonan Claussen added 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Casen Chaney chipped in 8 points and 6 boards. Aadam Coulibaly supplied valuable minutes off the bench with 9 points, all while helping Doane win the rebounding battle 32–30 against one of the GPAC's most physical frontcourts.

The Tigers also finished 14-of-19 at the free-throw line and kept turnovers manageable while forcing 11 Northwestern miscues.

Doane returns to action next week as GPAC play continues, looking to build on a statement victory powered by confident execution. The Tigers will host Hastings on Wednesday, November 19, at 7:45 p.m.

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