Morningside heads into holidays with GPAC win over Doane

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — As the holidays near, the Morningside men's basketball team played an unselfish brand of basketball Saturday, recording 16 assists in an 85-73 win over Doane.

The Mustangs (8-4, 6-1 GPAC) made some adjustments offensively after the halftime break, and they shot 68 percent in the second half scored 50 points. Morningside finished the game at 56 percent from the field, while also going 19-for-21 at the free-throw line.

"We took care of the basketball in the second half, and I liked how our guys adjusted," head coach Trent Miller said. "They played downhill and shared the basketball really well. I think we have very unselfish guys, and that's when we're at our best. We have players who are willing to find the best shot for Morningside."

Alex Wilcoxson led the Mustangs with 22 points, knocking down four 3-pointers and scoring 15. Caleb Dreckman followed with 20 points, attacked the rim and made nine of 10 free throws. Daniel Brocaille added 14 points, while Fitzy Grant chipped in 11 points, two blocks and a pair of steals off the bench.

Morningside's decisive stretch came midway through the second half. Leading 60-50 with just under 12 minutes to play, the Mustangs put together a quick 11-3 run, highlighted by six points form Dreckman and four from Grant. 

"We struggled a little bit in the first half, and we moved off the ball, and we kept it hot," Dreckman said. "We pride ourselves in moving the ball around a lot, and get everyone involved. It's not a one-man show." 

The Mustangs also collected 42 points in the paint and converted 28 points off 20 Doane turnovers. Morningside won the rebounding battle 27-23 and limited Doane to just 33 percent shooting from 3-point range.

Morningside is now atop the GPAC standings heading into the holiday trip to Florida next week. The Mustangs have two games next week in West Palm Beach, Fla.