Hot hands in first half propel Mustangs to win

HASTINGS, Neb. — A strong first half on Saturday helped the Morningside University men's basketball team defeat Hastings 94-86 at Lynn Farrell Arena.

The Mustangs (14-5, 7-4 GPAC) made 72 percent of their shots in the first half, and 83 percent from 3-point range that gave them 52 points.

Justin Sitti scored 14 of his 20 total points during the first 20 minutes of play, and scored the first five Morningside points over the first 74 seconds.

"I hope we're finding some rhythm offensively," said head coach Trent Miller. "Justin Sitti was fantastic. I really liked what we were doing in the first half. Just proud of the overall effort."

Morningside led by six at halftime, and even led by 10 points early in the second half, but the Broncos battled back during the second half.

Hastings went on a 12-2 run that tied the game at 61-61, but the Mustangs quickly responded with a 7-0 scamper. Caleb Dreckman hit a 3-pointer after Brendan Buckley hit two free throws and a basket.

The Broncos again tied the game at 75-75 with 4:36 remaining, but the tide turned for Morningside after three key 3-pointers from senior Aidan Vanderloo and freshman Alex Wilcoxson. Sitti also scored the next four points to create some more distance.

"We've gotten ourselves into that situation before, and sometimes it hasn't gone our way," Miller said. "I'm thrilled they stuck together. We put together a couple of possessions and Alex's two big shots were big time. He's playing like an upperclassman right now, and we're grateful for that."

Buckley also scored 20 points, as he made eight shots. Skoff added 19, and Wilcoxson contributed 16.

Morningside outrebounded Hastings 33-22, and Buckley grabbed a team-high nine boards.

The Mustangs are back in action on Wednesday at Northwestern, with an idle date next Saturday.