Doane Tops Ashford in Opener
Brent Cole put on a show early and Dane Cruz provided the encore as the Tigers defeated Ashford University 94-81 in the season opener.
Cole scored 19 points in the first half and 12 of the team's first 14 points of the game as he ended with a game-high 30 points. Cole was 11-for-18 from the floor and finished with six rebound, nine assists, and three steals.
Cruz, a transfer from Harper College (Ill.), scored 20 second half points to end with 22 points in his Tiger debut. He was 7-for-11 from the floor and 4-of-5 from three-point range in the second half.
Ashford took a three point lead in the second half with 15:05 left. Doane answered with back-to-back layups by Taylor Siebert and Wade Janssen to take a one point lead. Cruz followed by scoring eight of the Tigers next 10 points as Doane took a nine point lead with 11:24 remaining.
Ashford battled back to regain the lead with 5:48 left on a Cash Bimm layup. Bimm led Ashford with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Doane tied the game a 73 when Ben Streck tipped in a missed shot attempt. From there, the Tigers built their lead to finish with a 13 point victory.
The Tigers will be in action again on Saturday when they host Peru State College at 3:30 pm. Hastings will play Ashford in the 1:30 game of the Tiger Classic.