Courtesy of Midland Athletics
SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Midland University made the trek up to Sioux City for its final game of the 2022-23 season at No. 25 Morningside University. The Mustangs completed the season sweep as they were assisted by their 46-bench points inside Allee Gym on Saturday afternoon. They ran away from the Warriors in the first half and solidified their victory in the second, winning 102-74.
Morningside held a 13-9 advantage out of the gate, before going on a 22-8 run to move in front by 18 points at the 9:10 mark in the first. Emanuel Bryson and Colton Uhing sparked a 7-2 run to cut the lead back to single digits as Midland attempted to mount a comeback.
The Mustangs used part of their 17 first-half assists to go on a 15-4 run in the final five minutes before the break, up 53-28.
After halftime, the Warriors were led by Ryan Larsen and his 10 second-half points as they played neck-and-neck with the Mustangs. Morningside ceased all ideas of a Midland comeback, going on a 13-4 scoring stretch at the 13:38 mark, putting the game out of reach and moving their lead to 30.
Bryson capped off his Midland career with a team-high 15 points to go with 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Larsen and Jake Orr followed with 12 apiece as Uhing added 7 points and 7 rebounds. Samuel Mailloux added six points on his final game as a Warrior.
“Morningside has a really good team,” commented head coach Tyler Erwin. “They are deep, they move the ball well, and make shots. It was a tough game for us defensively they moved the ball so well. We played better in the second half and made shots. We moved the ball well tonight with 18 assists on 29 made baskets.”
Coach Erwin on the seniors in the program. “It was a pleasure coaching Sam and Manny. They have done so much for our program and university. They have laid the foundation for good things to come.”
Midland ends its season with a record of 10-18 overall and 4-16 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. They will look to build upon the successes they had during Coach Erwin’s first season. The returners will get to work in the weight room and gym while the coaching staff looks for the next crop of Warriors for the 2023-24 campaign.
