SIOUX CITY, Iowa – After shooting 61.1% from the field in the third quarter, No. 14 Morningside College pulled away from the Dakota Wesleyan University women's basketball team, 78-53 in a Great Plains Athletic Conference matchup Wednesday in Sioux City, Iowa.
The Mustangs (8-2, 6-1 GPAC) started off with hot shooting as they took an early 10-4 lead after a pair of 3-point baskets. After another shot from beyond the arc, it was DWU's turn as Haylee Mork (Aberdeen, S.D.) drilled a triple to notch the first 3-pointer of the game for DWU.
Following the Mork shot, Morningside finished the opening frame on a 9-2 run to hold a 25-9 advantage after 10 minutes of play.
Matti Reiner (Tripp, S.D.) kicked off the scoring in the second quarter for the Tigers (3-4, 1-4 GPAC) with a 3-pointer. After two minutes of scoreless action, Sydnaya Dunn (Sioux Falls, S.D.) knocked down a free throw to pull DWU within 12 points. After another scoreless streak of play, Jada Campbell (Alexandria, S.D.) made a jumper to keep DWU within striking distance.
Just as it looked like the Tigers were gaining momentum, Morningside made a 3-pointer and a layup to push the lead back to 14 points. However, DWU finished the half on a 6-0 spurt to cut the deficit to 10 points at halftime.
The beginning moments of the second half belonged to the Mustangs as they made a pair of 3-point shots to open on a quick 6-0 run. Campbell knocked down a pair of jumpers to keep the Tigers scoring.
Each time the Mustangs tried to pull away, DWU answered with a basket of its own. However, Morningside finished the third quarter on an 11-3 run to hold a 62-37 lead with 10 minutes to play.
Both teams matched each other in the final period as they each scored 16 points as DWU dropped the road contest.
Freshman Korynn Clason (Cambridge, Neb.) came off the bench to lead the team with nine points and three rebounds, as Reiner and Campbell each added seven points apiece. The Tigers shot 31.3% from the field and finished with 26 bench points.
DWU returns home to host (RV) Midland University at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Corn Palace.