Warriors Battle No. 23 Morningside, Fall Short in GPAC Clash

FREMONT, Neb. — Midland University took on No. 23-ranked Morningside University in a Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) showdown on Saturday evening. The game featured 13 ties and seven lead changes, but a strong late push by the Mustangs handed the Warriors a challenging 86-75 loss.

Jeff Rozelle III opened the scoring with a layup, and both teams exchanged baskets early. The Mustangs went on a 10-0 run, including two consecutive three-pointers, prompting Midland to call a timeout. Following the break, Ryan Larsen hit a three-pointer to spark the Warriors' momentum, initiating a 13-3 run that gave them a 17-16 lead.

Morningside responded with back-to-back three-pointers as part of a 7-3 run to retake the lead, 23-20. A three-pointer by Isaiah Smith and a layup by Luke Gdowski helped Midland regain the advantage at 25-23, forcing the Mustangs to call a timeout. The teams traded baskets afterward, with Jake Orr scoring all nine of Midland's points during a 9-3 run that extended the lead. The Mustangs countered with three consecutive three-pointers for a 9-3 run of their own, prompting another Midland timeout.

In the final seconds of the first half, Rece Kissinger hit a three-pointer to tie the score at 42-42 heading into halftime.

After the intermission, the teams continued trading baskets. Gdowski and Orr combined for a 4-0 run, but the Mustangs answered with two consecutive three-pointers as part of a 6-3 stretch. Orr provided a spark for Midland with a dunk, but Morningside responded with a 4-0 run that included two free throws and a basket.

The Mustangs extended their lead with an 8-0 run, forcing Midland to call another timeout. After the break, Morningside maintained their strong play with an 8-4 run, entering the final five minutes with a commanding lead. Trey McCain broke the Warriors' scoring drought with a three-pointer, followed by a free throw from Gdowski. Midland called another timeout after a Morningside basket, but the Mustangs finished the game with a 4-0 run to seal the 86-75 victory.

Midland shot 46.8% from the field (29-of-62), while Morningside hit 53.4% (31-of-58). The Mustangs also converted 50% of their three-point attempts and capitalized on Midland's 11 turnovers, scoring 15 points off them.

Jake Orr led the Warriors with a double-double, recording 21 points and 11 rebounds. McCain added 17 points, while Gdowski contributed 14 points.

"I was really proud of our effort and fight tonight, especially once we settled in during the first half," said head coach Tyler Erwin. "We knew Morningside is capable of making big runs—they can score 8 to 10 points in a minute—and we had to be ready for that. We used a timeout to regroup, adjust, and focus on putting pressure on the rim and attacking the basket.

"We wanted to get the ball into the post more, but credit to Morningside—they matched our physicality and played tough. The turnovers leading to easy baskets and the pick-sixes hurt us, especially when they capitalized in transition. We've talked a lot about taking care of the ball, and that's something we need to keep improving.

"We're so close, and despite battling challenges like sickness, we've made great strides. I really like this group and how connected we are in the locker room. This time of year is always exciting, and we're on the brink. We've been in every game and fought hard, and I'm looking forward to our opportunity on Wednesday night."

Midland (6-6, 1-4 GPAC) will host Doane (6-4, 1-3 GPAC) in a conference matchup next week. Tip-off is set for 7:45 p.m. inside the Wikert Event Center on Wednesday, December 11.