GPAC Leaders Hold Off Men's Basketball

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Doane battled on the road Saturday afternoon but came up short in an 85-73 setback to Morningside in a GPAC men's basketball contest at Allee Gym.

The Tigers trailed by just three at halftime before the Mustangs used an efficient second half to pull away. Doane shot 48.2 percent from the floor for the game and knocked down eight 3-pointers, but Morningside countered by hitting 55.6 percent overall and converting 19-of-21 free throws.

Casen Chaney led Doane with 23 points, connecting on five 3-pointers to go with three steals. Trevon Beckman added 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Justus Gardiner chipped in eight points and three rebounds. Jonan Claussen finished with seven points, four steals and two assists, and Jack Wilson contributed seven points, five rebounds and three assists.

Doane opened the game with early energy, jumping ahead 6-2 behind a pair of 3-pointers before Morningside answered with a run fueled by points in the paint and trips to the free-throw line. The Tigers stayed within striking distance throughout the opening period, with Chaney and Beckman combining for timely baskets to keep the margin close. Morningside held a 35-32 advantage at the break.

The Mustangs began to separate early in the second half, shooting efficiently from the floor and building a double-digit lead midway through the period. Doane continued to compete, trimming the deficit with perimeter shooting and transition buckets, but Morningside responded with consistent scoring to maintain control. The home team pushed its largest lead to 22 points late before Doane closed the game with a final surge.

Morningside was led by Alex Wilcoxson's 22 points, while Caleb Dreckman added 20. The Mustangs scored 42 points in the paint and turned Doane turnovers into 28 points.

Doane finished with 12 steals. The Tigers also scored 11 bench points and limited Morningside to six made 3-pointers.

The Tigers move to 6-6 overall and 2-4 in GPAC play, while Morningside improved to 8-4 overall and 6-1 in the conference. Doane will return to action in Yankton, S.D., on Wednesday, December 17, as they take on Mount Marty at 7:45 PM.

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