The RV Charger men's basketball team earned a tough win over the visiting Dakota Wesleyan Tigers 83-80 inside the Newman Flanagan Center Tuesday evening.
 
"I thought tonight's game was a classic GPAC battle," said Head Coach Mark Svagera. "Both teams throwing uppercuts, I'm really proud of the way our guys found a way to get it done."
 
In a closely contested first half, the Tigers held a five-point lead following a basket from Randy Rosenquist. Wil Lugar scored six points in the next offensive possessions to give the Chargers a 21-20 lead. Lugar ignited the crowd inside the Newman Flanagan Center after he rose up for a two-hand slam to take the lead. BCU and DWU were tied 38-38 heading into the second half.
 
To begin the second half, the Tigers went on a small 5-0 run after Rosenquist converted on his and-one attempt. The Cliff's Jamison Helmers responded by knocking down a three pointer to cut the lead back to two. After trading blows, the Chargers trailed 77-75 following a Garett Trapp basket with two minutes remaining.
 
Blake Sindelar made the clutch plays when the Chargers needed him the most. Trailing by two with a minute left in the contest, Matthew Stilwill threw a dime to Sindelar at the top of the key, who drilled a three pointer to give the Chargers a one-point lead. With 12 seconds left, Dakota Wesleyan's Randy Rosenquist who couldn't be stopped for most of the night, called for an isolation play. With Sindelar guarding him, Sindelar made a defensive stand. With active hands, Sindelar poked the ball lose and recorded a crucial steal. The turnover led to Wil Lugar knocking down two free-throws to give Briar Cliff a three-point lead. The Chargers earned a hard fought 83-80 victory to stay unbeaten.
 
Stilwill recorded his first double-double of the season, scoring 26 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Helmers dropped 21 points and knocked down five triples in the contest. Sindelar finished with 13 points and six rebounds in the game.
 
In the effort, Rosenquist poured in 39 points for the Tigers, followed by Jakob Dobney's 18 points and ten rebounds.
 
The Cliff improves to 7-0 (2-0 GPAC). The Chargers will look towards the Columbia Classic this weekend, as they take on Hannibal-LaGrange on Friday, and Columbia on Saturday. Tip-off against Hannibal-LaGrange will be at 5 p.m. in Columbia, Missouri.