Morningside Pulls Away in Second Half to Defeat Mount Marty
YANKTON, S.D. – A strong second-half surge lifted Morningside University to a 91-75 victory over Mount Marty University in GPAC action on Saturday. The Lancers led by one at halftime.
Mount Marty (7-14, 4-11 GPAC) shot 52.3% from the field (34-of-65) and matched Morningside on the boards (27-27 rebounding), but the Mustangs' efficiency from three-point range and the free-throw line proved decisive. Morningside (17-5, 10-4 GPAC) shot 50% from deep (15-of-30) and 85.7% from the line (18-of-21), while Mount Marty struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 6-of-19 (31.6%).
Key Players for Mount Marty:
- Jake Jensen led the Lancers with 23 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 9-of-13 from the field and 5-of-7 from three.
- Brandon Garcia provided a spark off the bench with 15 points, hitting 7-of-13 shots.
- Jared Lopez added 12 points and 6 rebounds, battling inside for key buckets.
- Rugby Ryken contributed 7 points, while Sutton Arend chipped in 8 points in limited minutes.
Team Stat Breakdown:
- Shooting Efficiency: Morningside shot 55.8% from the field (29-of-52), compared to Mount Marty's 52.3% (34-of-65), but the Mustangs' accuracy from three (50%) gave them the edge.
- Rebounding Battle: The teams were evenly matched on the glass, with both pulling down 27 total rebounds. However, Morningside's ability to convert second-chance points proved key.
- Turnovers & Assists: Morningside took better care of the basketball, committing just 9 turnovers compared to Mount Marty's 11. The Mustangs also dished out 16 assists, led by Justin Sitti's 8, while the Lancers finished with just 8 total assists.
- Free Throws: The Mustangs took advantage of their trips to the line, making 18-of-21 (85.7%), while Mount Marty attempted just one free throw all game, converting it.
Despite a strong first-half effort, Mount Marty was unable to keep pace with Morningside's offensive firepower down the stretch. The Lancers will look to bounce back as they continue GPAC play.
