The Charger men's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season Friday afternoon with a 90-87 victory over Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Briar Cliff got off to a strong start offensively, taking a 47-41 lead into halftime. The Chargers shot 55.9% from the floor in the opening half, led by Jaxson Wingert, who scored 15 points before the break. Colby Collison added 10 points in the first half, while Ryan Kleppe contributed eight.
The Chargers continued to find success offensively in the second half, shooting 59.3% from the field to hold off the Mustangs. BCU maintained the advantage down the stretch, using key baskets from Wingert and Trace Egge to help secure the three-point victory.
Wingert led all scorers with 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting from the floor while pulling down nine rebounds. Collison finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Kleppe added 17 points and two steals. Egge contributed 14 points off the bench, knocking down four of his five attempts from beyond the arc. Nic Marshall dished out a game-high 10 assists to go along with nine points.
The Chargers finished the contest shooting 57.4% from the floor and recorded 20 assists on 35 made field goals.
The Cliff returns to action on Friday, October 30, hosting Huntington University at the Newman Flanagan Center. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
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Briar Cliff University
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