RV Mustangs execute 'the little things' in win over No. 5 Concordia

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The little things mattered on Wednesday in a major way for the Morningside University women's basketball team.

RV Morningside (5-4, 3-2) claimed a 70-56 home win over No. 5 Concordia at Allee Gymnasium, and a big second half was a main key to the victory.

Morningside made eight of 17 shots, and half of its 3-point attempts during the second quarter, which the Mustangs outscored the Bulldogs 23-10.

The Mustangs held onto that lead throughout the rest of the contest, thanks to 51 percent shooting and making 9 of 16 3s in the game. The Mustangs were 11-for-14 from the free-throw line.

Simply put, the Mustangs needed to see the ball go through the net. The Mustangs hadn't been shooting as well during games as head coach Jamie Sale has liked, but was pleased to see their hard work pay off.

"We were composed, and we didn't force anything," Sale said. "I know we can shoot better than we have been. It was a matter of having a game or two to get over that hump, and the last two or three games have been better. It was nice to see us execute."

Alexis Spier was one of those Mustangs who shot it well on Wednesday. The senior – who earned the GPAC Defensive Player of the Week earlier in the day – made all six of her shots and all four free throws for 21 points.

Five of those looks came beyond the arc.

"I'm confident and I let it fly," Spier said. "We can't take it for granted. We have to keep playing hard and not take any teams for granted."

Chaise Pfanistel scored 12 points, while Ella Wragge had 10.

Morningside executed its defense well, too. The Mustangs limited the Bulldogs to 38 percent from the floor and just 30 percent from deep.

"We talked about taking away their 3-point shooting and dominating the boards, and we did just that," Sale said. "Those little things we've been struggling with, making the little mistakes. We wanted to find a way to start doing the little things, and it would add up to a big thing."

It also forced Concordia to 17 turnovers, which Morningside turned into 15 points. The Mustangs also had 12 fast break points. The Mustangs also won the rebounding battle, 34-23.

Lily Vollertsen led the Mustangs in rebounds with seven, while Dani Peterson collected six.

"We had to come out and bring the energy, and that's something we can control," Spier said. "We needed to get out there and play hard. I think the energy comes from everyone. We had a good crowd, too. We wanted that win back."