Mustangs suffer final-minute heartbreak

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Morningside suffered its first final-minute heartbreak in this weekend's Great Plains Athletic Conference and home opener against Dakota Wesleyan. The visiting Tigers overcame a lead that Morningside built on a strong opening quarter to claim a 75-71 victory.

The Mustangs outshot DWU 46.6-percent to 37.1-percent, with Morningside hitting 10-of-27 shots from behind the arc and the Tigers making just four, a dramatic swing for a DWU program that has historically been noted for its shooting abilities.

Where Morningside fell behind, though, is a 52-29 rebound differential, which gave the Tigers a 25-2 advantage on second chance points. 23 of the Mustangs' 29 rebounds came on the defensive side of the floor, with six on offense. 

Chaise Pfanstiel led Morningside in scoring, adding 18 points to her tally. The junior from Omaha went 4-for-8 from three point land in the contest. Aspen Jansa, McKenna Sims, and Chloe Lofstrom followed with 15, 14, and 13 points, respectively. 

Sims led Morningside's rebounding efforts, with nine total grabs and four of the team's six offensive boards. Lofstrom followed, collecting eight balls following their carom.

The Mustangs continue their current homestand on Wednesday with the Defenders of Dordt University. Tipoff of the contest is scheduled for 6 p.m.