Mustangs upend No. 2 Cumberlands to advance to NAIA Quarterfinals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Morningside jumped ahead early, battled through adversity, and ultimately came away with an 80-74 win over No. 2 Cumberlands to advance to the quarterfinals of the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship Saturday night inside Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.

Aidan Vanderloo and Jack Dotzler buoyed the Mustangs to a 12-4 lead, each scoring five points. Cumberlands battled back to take a 25-23 lead, but the Mustangs responded with a 9-0 run to take the lead into the half. Joey Skoff and Ely Doble took the reins on the final stretch, finishing with 11 points apiece in the half. 

The second half was dominated by Ely Doble. He racked up 18 points and drew the attention of the defense to allow Vanderloo, Dotzler, Skoff, and company to sink open shots. 

Doble finished with 29 points and eight rebounds. Skoff added 18 points and nine boards. Vanderloo pitched in 15 points and Dotzler 12. Brendan Buckley snatched up 13 rebounds and Dotzler had seven assists.

The Mustangs advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2019 and will face the defending national champion College of Idaho. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tip inside Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.