Mustangs' season ends in NAIA Second Round

MISHAWAKA, Ind. — The Mustangs' journey to Kansas City ended one game shy.

Morningside fell 93-84 to Bethel in the NAIA Second Round on Saturday, wrapping up a 25-8 season. The Mustangs made 57 percent of their shots, as well as going 10-for-20 from 3-point range. They were also 12-for-13 from the free-throw line.

Joey Skoff closes his Morningside career with a 30-point game, making 11 of 18 attempts and six of seven free throws. He scored 25 of the Mustangs' 45 points. It was the sixth 30-plus scoring game this season for Skoff.

Daniel Brocaille finished with 17 points, and just like on Friday night, he made four 3-pointers. Aidan Vanderloo closes his college basketball career with 11 points in the finale, and he made four shots as well as two free throws.

Brendan Buckley led the Mustangs with six rebounds and two blocks, while Vanderloo headed the Mustangs with four assists.

The Mustangs' season was highlighted by winning the GPAC Tournament for the first time since 2017-18. Morningside brought home the GPAC banner by defeating Dakota Wesleyan, Dordt, and Concordia that clinched one of two automatic bids granted by the NAIA.

Skoff ended up with 2,328 points in his five-year campaign with the Mustangs. He broke the record on Jan. 11 against Midland, and he earned GPAC Player of the Week five times.

Reflecting on his career, Skoff expressed deep gratitude after the game on KMNS-AM: "We have the best NAIA traveling fan base and the best home fan base. Thanks to Coach (Trent) Miller for trusting me with the program."

Justin Sitti also earned GPAC Defensive Player of the Week on Week 8.

The senior class's legacy will be marked by three appearances in the Round of 16, making it a season to remember.

"These have been the best five years of my life," Vanderloo said. "I told my dad the other day, 'Coming to Morningside was the best decision I've made in my life.' This place has meant the world to me. Someday, we'll all get together and look back at all we've accomplished. We have good, solid people who just happen to play basketball well."

Skoff and Vanderloo both broke the school record for games played at 148.

Miller agreed that the seniors' legacy will be remembered for years to come: "When you leave, what's left? They've left this place in a really good spot. As bad as this hurts, I am so, so proud of this group and what they've accomplished."

With the season over, here's a look at the season stat leaders:

• Points: Skoff (739), Brocaille (432), and Vanderloo (418)
• FG percentage (min. 100 attempts): Alex Wilcoxson (54.0), Vanderloo (52.3), and Brocaille (44.4)
• Made 3-pointers: Vanderloo (67), Brocaille (60), and Skoff (48)
• Made free throws: Skoff (157), Sitti (99), and Brocaille (82)
• Total rebounds: Buckley (238), Sitti (168), and Brocaille (145)
• Assists: Buckley (131), Sitti (115), and Skoff (88)
• Steals: Skoff (59), Sitti (52), and Brocaille (31)

Miller and the Mustangs are already setting their sights on next year, carrying with them a wave of momentum and determination to build on.

"We've got a good group of underclassmen who care about the right things," Miller said. "They show up every day and work. They've improved, and they have the opportunity to go get it. We want to continue to build."