No. 17 Morningside falls in an 88-83 overtime thriller at No. 22 Florida Memorial

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – For the second time in two nights, it came down to the final seconds between the No.17 Mustangs and a nationally recognized team from Florida, but this time the Mustangs came up just short, falling to No. 22 Florida Memorial 88-83 in overtime. 

The Mustangs and Lions were tied at the half, and tied again at the end of regulation. A layup from Florida Memorial tied the game at 35 just before the half, and a made layup with 22 seconds tied the game at 72 to end regulation. 

Brendan Buckley converted a three-pointer to make it 79-78 Lions with 2:12 to play, and a pair of Ely Doble free throws made it 81-80 Lions with 1:34 to play. Florida Memorial was able to open a two possession lead from there and the Mustangs were unable to claw their way back.

It was a balanced effort for Morningside, as six players scored between 11 and 15 points. Joey Skoff was the leader again Wednesday after a 31-point performance Tuesday, scoring 15 points and seven assists. Ely Doble added 14 points and five boards. Brendan Buckley, Jack Dotzler, Aidan Vanderloo, and Dylan Johnson scored 11 points apiece. Buckley had seven rebounds and Dotzler had six assists and three steals. Justin Sitti added seven points.

The Mustangs were outrebounded 47-28 but shot 42% (16-38) from beyond the arc to stay in the game. 

Tuesday night, the Mustangs went down to the wire against Receiving Votes St. Thomas, but prevailed 87-82. Morningside was unable to reach the same success Wednesday night, and now returns home for the holidays. The Mustangs face Grand View Saturday, Dec. 30 inside Allee Gym.