Warriors Enter Holiday Break with Win Over Florida National

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Midland University concluded the 2023 Cruzin Classic on Monday night with a matchup against Florida National University. The Warriors emerged victorious, securing a 96-89 win over the Conquistadors inside the Fernandez Family Center.

Midland brought great energy at the start as it opened with a 10-3 run. Jake Rueschhoff played a pivotal role, sinking a pair of three-pointers, while Jake Orr contributed with two layups. The Conquistadors responded with a 7-0 run to bring the game to a 10-10 deadlock early on.

The Warriors continued to gain momentum, initiating a 25-8 run fueled by five successful threes, expanding their lead to 35-18. Florida National ended its scoreless drought by adapting to the pressure. They launched a 14-4 run to narrow the gap but still trailed, 41-37, at halftime.

After the intermission, the teams came out ready to battle on the court, trading baskets back and forth. The Warriors went on a 13-4 run to take the early advantage. Jeffrey Rozelle III initiated the attack with a layup and free throw. Florida National showed determination in staging an 8-2 run, narrowing the gap to one, 46-45, with less than two minutes into the half gone. Try as they might, the Conquistadors started to commit fouls against the Warriors' aggressive attack. The infractions provided Midland with a handful of opportunities at the free-throw line.

Entering the final ten minutes of the game, the Warriors' offensive efforts ramped up with successful three-pointers as they maintained their double-digit lead. In the closing minute, Florida National attempted a comeback with a 9-2 run, but the Warriors held firm, securing a 96-89 victory.

The team showcased a well-rounded offensive effort, with five players reaching double-digits in scoring. Ryan Larsen led the charge with 21 points. He was followed closely by Jake Orr with 18, Derek Merwick with 17, Jack Cooper with 16, and Jake Rueschhoff rounded out the group with 13 points. Merwick added 10 rebounds for a double-double while Rueschhoff had a team-high 6 assists.

For the game, Midland shot 30-of-58 (51.7%) while Florida National shot 35-of-69 (50.7%). The Warriors had 12 three-pointers and converted 11 Conquistador turnovers into 13 points. MU had a 37-32 edge in rebounds as well.

"I was really happy with our effort tonight. Playing back-to-back games is never easy especially when guys are played extended minutes," commented head coach Tyler Erwin. "We did a great job of adjusting to their defensive schemes and made shots. We haven't been that consistent defensively, it's always working progress there. Offensively our numbers were really good tonight, 52% from the field, 63% from three, and 80% from the line. We're capable of doing that night in a night out. Ryan probably played his best game of the season. Not only did he make shots, but he was good defensively and rebounded well for us as well."

Midland (5-8) will take a break for the holiday before returning to action on its home court. The Warriors will host Manhattan Christian (2-7) before the New Year. Tip-off for the final game of 2023 is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 30 in Fremont, Nebraska.