Late flurry from Chargers sinks Morningside, 74-65

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Morningside went into Saturday's GPAC regular season finale against Briar Cliff looking to break a tie for sixth in the conference and build momentum heading into the GPAC Tournament. The Mustangs gave Briar Cliff all it could handle, but ultimately fell 74-65.

Morningside and Briar Cliff were tied at 20 after one quarter of action, but the Chargers battled ahead in the second quarter, using 17 first-half points off turnovers to take the 35-30 advantage into the locker room.

Morningside came out of the break firing, cutting the deficit to a single point three times before a Sam Ehlers free throw tied the game at 48 with 56 seconds remaining in the quarter. The Chargers ended the period with three-straight points to lead 51-48 after three.

Much like the Sioux City showdown in Allee Gymnasium earlier this season, Briar Cliff was able to take a three-point lead after three quarters and grow it to seal a victory. Lily Vollertsen made a field goal with seven minutes to play that made it 55-54 Chargers.

After Briar Cliff opened up a five-point lead, Alexis Spier drained a three-pointer to cut the deficit to one yet again with 3:48 to play. Briar Cliff outscored Morningside 12-4 the rest of the way to pick up the win.

The duo of Spier and Vollertsen scored 33 points combined. Vollertsen tallied 17 and Spier 16 to pace the offense for Morningside. Sam Ehlers added seven points and six rebounds off the bench. Chloe Lofstrom and Ella Wragge contributed seven points each.

The Mustangs earned the seven seed in the GPAC Tournament with the loss. They will head to Concordia, the No. 2 seed, Wednesday for the GPAC Quarterfinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Seward, Neb.