Men's Basketball Earns First Win Over Bellevue Since 1995

Men's Basketball closed out the 2023 calendar year on Saturday with a 69-58 win over Bellevue at the Fairfield Inn Bruin Classic. The win marked the first over the Bruins since 1995 (0-5 over the time span). The Tigers improved to 5-9 on the season.

Bellevue would score the first basket of the game only to see Doane go on a 7-0 run as the Bruins were held scoreless for three minutes. The Tigers would lead throughout the rest of the half, though Bellevue would pull within a single point on two occasions. Doane led at the break by seven points, 33-26. A pair of Tiger rookies led the scoring attack as freshman Jack Wilson posted nine points and freshman River Johnston posted seven points.

In the second half, Doane was held without a field goal through the opening eight minutes. The Tigers were limited to six made free throws as the Bruins rallied to take their first lead since the opening basket. A 10-0 run put Bellevue up 42-39 with 11:56 to play. Caleb Hrabik picked up Doane's first field goal of the half with a 3-point basket to tie the game. The basket also started a 10-0 Tiger run as they went back in front by seven points, 49-42.

The Bruins chipped away at the Tiger lead and a pair of 3-point baskets tied the game at 58-all with 2:51 to play. It would be the last field goal attempts that Bellevue would convert as Doane closed the game on an 11-0 run. The Tigers made nine free throws during the run.

Wilson led the Tigers with 15 points and pulled in nine rebounds. Hrabik and Brady Timm led the way in the second half and both finished with 14 points in the game. Hrabik scored 12 points in the second half while Timm had 10 points. Johnston finished with 10 points.

Cooper Sheldon matched Wilson with a team-high nine rebounds. Timm had a team-high three assists. Wilson and Hrabik each collected a steal as the team had two in the game.

Doane will return to action on Wednesday, January 3, as they play host to Manhattan Christian at 6:00 PM.