Mustangs hold on for win over Tigers

Photo by Laryn Johnson, Morningside Sports Information Intern

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Wednesday's home finale against Dakota Wesleyan was a battle from the opening tip to the final buzzer, but the Mustangs came away with the 84-79 win over the Tigers.

Morningside jumped ahead early 9-2, but the Tigers immediately responded with a 6-0 run to make it 9-8. After the game became tied at 15, Morningside reopened an eight-point lead with eight minutes to go until halftime.

Despite all of the back-and-forth runs, Dakota Wesleyan didn't take their first lead until the 1:10 mark of the first half. Thirteen seconds later, Joey Skoff took the lead back on a pair of free throws and a Brendan Buckley three made it 36-32 Mustangs. A basket for the Tigers cut the halftime lead from four to two.

Morningside trailed for a total of 13 seconds in the first half, and didn't trail for much longer in the second half. Morningside's largest lead of the game came on an 11-0 run after falling behind 53-52 with 13:01 to play. The Mustangs trailed for a total of 15 seconds in the second half.

The Tigers came roaring back, making it a three-point game with 2:22 to play. Morningside led 82-79 for the next two minutes as neither side could convert a basket. After a missed three-pointer from the Tigers, Jack Dotzler was fouled with nine seconds left. He converted both free throw to seal the win for the Mustangs.

Four of Morningside's starters scored in double figures and the fifth, Brendan Buckley, grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds. Joey Skoff tallied 24 points and seven rebounds to pace the charge. Aidan Vanderloo and Ely Doble added 15 points apiece. Dotzler added 12 points. 

Morningside is tied with Northwestern for third in the GPAC at 12-5. Hastings and Concordia hold a tie for the top spot at 13-4. 

Morningside hits the road to take on Doane Saturday at 3:45 p.m.