Senior trio leads Mustangs to victory in battle of top GPAC teams

HASTINGS, Neb. – The No. 17 Mustangs went to Hastings and took down the top team in GPAC play Saturday afternoon, defeating the Broncos 81-76.

It was a nail-biter against the Receiving Votes Broncos, who led 36-34 at the half and opened up a 47-39 lead early in the second half. Morningside was able to tie it up at 52 and wouldn't trail until a made shot from Hastings made it 73-71 with 3:06 to play. Ely Doble, who tallied 26 points in the win, tied things up at 73 shortly after. The Mustangs didn't fall behind again as they were able to finish the game on an 8-0 run before a three-pointer at the buzzer from Hastings.

Doble tallied a game high 26 points, including a 10-of-11 performance from the free throw line. Morningside's 18-for-23 total at the charity stripe proved to be valuable as Hastings hit over 55% of their field goals, but went just 3-for-6 at the line.

Jack Dotzler added 22 points and Joey Skoff 16 points. Brendan Buckley grabbed a team high seven rebounds. While Aidan Vanderloo and Dylan Johnson didn't score in double figures, they combined for 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting. 

Morningside was efficient from the field, hitting 52% from the field and 50% from three. The offense also turned the ball over five times, compared to 11 times for the Broncos. 

Morningside hits the road again for their next matchup, taking on Dakota Wesleyan in Mitchell, South Dakota Wednesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.