Courtesy of Midland Athletics
FREMONT, Neb. — Midland University welcomed (RV) Morningside University to the Wikert Event Center on Saturday for its home opener and first Great Plains Athletic Conference matchup of the season. After six ties and frequent lead changes, a 27-point fourth quarter by the Mustangs proved too much for the Warriors. Midland dropped its home opener 64-52.
The teams traded baskets early before the game turned into a defensive battle in the first quarter. After a free throw by Ellie Bovaird tied the game at 6-6 with five minutes left in the opening period, both teams were held scoreless for the next two minutes. Midland and Morningside eventually found their rhythm late, trading layups before two free throws by Tyra Berry gave the Warriors a 12-10 lead heading into the second quarter.
After the break, a 5-2 run by the Mustangs helped them regain a 17-12 advantage. The Warriors quickly answered with a jumper from Keyra Kruse and a layup by Jenna Weber. Weber added a free throw to put Midland ahead 18-17 with just under two minutes remaining in the half. Morningside closed the second quarter on a 4-0 run to take a 21-18 lead into halftime.
Following the intermission, Morningside stretched its lead to five before a three-pointer by Skylar Indra cut the deficit to two, forcing a Mustangs timeout. Out of the break, a jumper by Weber sparked a 4-0 run that put Midland ahead 29-27. Morningside responded with a layup and a free throw by Clancy Brown, but back-to-back layups by Weber and Aiyana Kroll helped the Warriors maintain a three-point lead. A layup by Sam Ehlers cut into the margin, but a strong offensive push by Weber gave Midland a 38-32 cushion. Both defenses tightened again, with neither team scoring for more than two minutes. The scoring drought ended at the free-throw line, including two from Bovaird, as Midland carried a 42-37 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Mustangs opened the final period on an 8-0 run to take a 45-42 lead. Weber answered to cut the deficit to one, but three straight layups by Morningside helped them regain control and forced a Midland timeout. Out of the break, a jumper and a free throw by Weber trimmed the lead, but back-to-back baskets from Jaeden Webb extended the Mustangs’ advantage. Morningside outscored the Warriors 8-5 in the closing minutes to secure the win.
“We’re continuously growing the culture of how to win,” commented head coach Chris Burks. “Our team played really well today, and I’m really proud of how they channeled their energy. Today, everyone understood the value that they bring to the team.”
Weber led Midland with 21 points, while Bovaird added 10 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Zoey Sims led the Warriors on the glass with nine rebounds.
Midland shot 19-for-57 (33.3%) from the field, while Morningside finished 26-for-71 (36.6%).
Midland (0-5, 0-1 GPAC) will return to action on Wednesday, Nov. 19, to host Mount Marty (4-1, 0-1 GPAC). Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. inside the Wikert Event Center in Fremont.
