The Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) women’s basketball team is in a strong position as they reach the midpoint of the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) regular season. With a record of 14-4 overall and 10-2 in the conference, the Tigers have won eight consecutive games, including six against GPAC opponents. This winning streak has positioned them to vie for a top seed in the upcoming postseason.
As of January 16, DWU shares the second spot in the GPAC standings with Concordia, which holds an overall record of 15-3 and 10-2 in the conference. The two teams are set to clash at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Corn Palace, a highly anticipated matchup that could have significant implications for postseason seeding. Previously, the Tigers defeated the Bulldogs 59-56 on December 6 in Seward, Nebraska, adding to the intensity of their upcoming encounter.
Currently leading the conference is the two-time defending national champion Dordt, which boasts a record of 17-1 and 11-1 in GPAC play. Dordt’s only conference loss this season came in a surprising 73-68 overtime defeat against Doane. The Defenders previously defeated DWU 86-81 on December 10 in Sioux Center, Iowa. Dordt is scheduled to visit the Tigers for their regular-season home finale on February 18, further heightening the importance of the matches leading up to that date.
In the race for postseason positioning, Briar Cliff and Hastings are in contention for fourth place. Briar Cliff currently holds a record of 14-4 with 8-4 in GPAC play, while Hastings stands at 12-6 with 8-4. Both teams are striving for a coveted first-round home game in the GPAC postseason tournament. Meanwhile, Mount Marty is in sixth place with an 11-7 record and 6-6 in the conference.
A significant aspect of this competitive landscape is the tight race for the final postseason spots. Only the top eight teams will advance to the quarterfinals, creating a precarious situation for teams like Doane, which holds a record of 7-9 and is part of a three-way tie for seventh place along with Morningside and Northwestern, both at 5-7 in GPAC action. The competition is fierce, and one of these teams could be left out of the tournament.
On the men’s side, DWU faces its own challenges as they navigate a tightly packed standings. As of January 16, the Tigers are tied for sixth place with a record of 10-9 overall and 5-6 in the GPAC. This tie includes Doane, Dordt, and Midland, each with similar records. Just a game behind them is Hastings at 5-14 and 4-7 in the conference.
The men’s competition is equally intense, with the top teams battling for supremacy. Morningside currently leads the GPAC with a record of 13-5 and 10-1 in conference play, having suffered their only loss to Midland earlier in the season.
As both DWU teams approach the second half of the season, the outcome of their upcoming games will be crucial. With only a few matches left to determine postseason standings, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and securing victories in the weeks ahead. The dynamic nature of the GPAC ensures that every game will be critical for teams vying for the championship title and a favorable position in the postseason tournament.
