Hot shooting Jimmies sink No. 20 Morningside 88-83

Photo by Jonah Gleason, Morningside Sports Information Intern

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Mustangs jumped out to the early lead, but the Jimmies wouldn't go away easily, completing the comeback early and defeating Morningside 88-83 Wednesday night.

Morningside built up a 16-point first half advantage, 31-15, halfway through the first half, but Jamestown had an answer. In a span of just over seven minutes, the lead dwindled to zero as Jamestown tied things at 33. A strong finish to the half for Morningside allowed the Mustangs to hold a 40-35 halftime lead.

The Jimmies came roaring back to start the second half. Jamestown controlled the first 10 minutes of the second half to lead 66-55 with 10:11 minutes remaining.

A three-pointer and a three-point play kept the lead at 11, but Joey Skoff converted baskets on back-to-back possessions and a three-pointer from Dylan Johnson made it 69-65 with eight minutes to play.
After a Jamestown timeout, the two sides started trading baskets. Despite Morningside's best efforts, Jamestown's lead was still four with 4:45 to play. The Mustangs weren't able to get back to even down the stretch as the Jimmies continued to convert baskets on the offensive end.

A lay-up with 22 seconds left gave the Jimmies a five-point lead. Joey Skoff drove the length of the court and was fouled. He made the first shot, but missed the second. Jamestown was unable to grab the rebound and Morningside still had a pulse. The Mustangs put up three shots on the final possession, but didn't score. The Jimmies escaped with the win.

Joey Skoff did everything he could in the loss, scoring 32 points and adding three rebounds and three assists. Ely Doble pitched in 12 points and six rebounds. Justin Sitti had 10 points off the bench. The Jimmies shot over 60% from the floor to take the victory.

Morningside gets a breather, having Saturday off. The Mustangs will regroup and host Concordia Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 7:45 p.m.