Mustangs unable to overcome cold start in loss to Concordia

SEWARD, Neb. – Morningside entered the GPAC Tournament looking to play spoiler against No. 2 Concordia. The Bulldogs jumped ahead early and kept the Mustangs out of reach as Concordia won 86-65 in Seward, Nebraska Wednesday night.

The Bulldogs doubled up Morningside 23-11 in the first quarter and grew the lead by three in the second and by nine in the third. Morningside was able to chip a few points off the lead in the fourth quarter, but Concordia ultimately pulled out the victory.

After a 15-point Bulldog lead opened in the second quarter, Morningside got back within 10 with a Sam Ehlers layup at the 4:11 mark of the quarter. Concordia pulled away to finish the half and put the pressure on to grow the lead to over 20 points.

The big difference in scoring came at the three-point arc, where Morningside went 5-for-20, but Concordia was 14-for 27. Morningside outrebounded Concordia 42-36 and Morningside won the turnover battle 10-9. 

Lily Vollertsen poured in 18 points for Morningside. Ella Wragge totaled 11 points and eight rebounds. Off the bench, Sam Ehlers pitched in nine points and seven rebounds. 

Morningside sits at 15-12 this season and went 12-10 in conference play.