Mustangs unable to keep up with Concordia

SEWARD, Neb. — A difficult stretch after halftime swung Saturday's game, as the Morningside women's basketball team dropped a road decision at Concordia (Neb.).

Morningside (13-12, 8-11 GPAC) stayed within striking distance through the opening half before the 10th-ranked Bulldogs broke the game open with a decisive run coming out of the locker room. The Bulldogs outscored the Mustangs 33-12 in the third quarter, shooting nearly 60 percent during the period to turn a nine-point halftime margin into a commanding lead.

Senior Lily Vollertsen led Morningside with 24 points and 17 rebounds, her 10th double-double this season. The Syracuse, Neb., native made nine field goals and was responsible for much of the Mustangs' interior production.

Sam Ehlers added 14 points on 7-of-12 shooting, while Clancy Brown finished with 12 points, three steals and five rebounds. Kinsey Hall chipped in five points and six boards off the bench.

Despite being outshot from the floor, Morningside held a significant edge on the glass, outrebounding Concordia 56-35, including 19 offensive rebounds that led to 15 second-chance points. The Mustangs also limited Concordia to seven free-throw attempts.

Turnovers played a major role in the outcome, as Morningside committed 30 turnovers, which Concordia converted into 30 points.

The Mustangs showed late fight, outscoring Concordia 22-14 in the fourth quarter, but the deficit proved too large to erase.