The Briar Cliff men's basketball team battled down to the final seconds Saturday afternoon but fell just short in a 79–75 loss to Midland in GPAC action.

The Chargers and Warriors traded blows throughout a tightly contested first half that featured nine ties and multiple lead changes. BCU carried a slim 38–36 advantage late in the half before Midland knocked down a three in the closing seconds to take a 39–38 lead into the break. 

The back-and-forth battle continued in the second half, with neither side able to create much separation. The Cliff tied the game at 65–65 with just over four minutes remaining, but Midland used late free throws to hold off the Chargers down the stretch. 

Blake Sindelar led Briar Cliff with a strong all-around performance, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists for a triple-double. Colby Collison added 18 points, knocking down five three-pointers, while Jaxson Wingert contributed 14 points and five rebounds.

Wil Lugar chipped in nine points, and Ryan Kleppe added three points and four rebounds in the effort. 

As a team, the Chargers shot 47.3% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc, finishing with 16 assists On 26 made field goals. Briar Cliff forced 11 Midland turnovers and turned them into 19 points but was out rebounded 39–28 on the afternoon. 

Briar Cliff now moves to 12–12 overall and 9–8 in GPAC play. The Chargers return to action this Wednesday February 11 traveling to Sioux Center to take on the Dordt Defenders. Tip-off is set for 7:45 p.m.

#BattleOn