Upset Bid for Men's Basketball Falls One Point Short

CRETE, Neb. — Doane men's basketball came within a possession of a signature upset Saturday afternoon, but GPAC-leading Morningside escaped the Haddix Center with a 79-78 conference win on Jan. 24.

Doane (10-11, 5-9 GPAC) led 41-38 at the break and built its largest advantage of 12 points midway through the second half before Morningside (15-5, 12-1) rallied late. The Mustangs took the lead for good in the final seconds when Fitzy Grant found space for a driving layup with eight seconds left, putting Morningside ahead 79-78.

The Tigers still had a chance after a missed 3-pointer in the final moments, but time expired as Doane's putback attempt through contact was unable to convert.

Crayton Macholan paced Doane with 23 points, knocking down 5-of-7 from beyond the arc in 30 minutes. Jonan Claussen added 14 points on four 3-pointers, while Casen Chaney finished with nine points and five assists. Justus Gardiner chipped in six points and six rebounds, and Jack Wilson posted seven rebounds and three steals.

Morningside was led by Daniel Brocaille's 19 points and Alex Wilcoxson's 17. Caleb Dreckman added 13 points and nine assists, while Tyson Odvody went a perfect 6-for-6 from the field for 12 points.

Doane shot 51.7% from the floor and 46.2% from 3-point range (12-for-26), but the Tigers were limited to six free-throw attempts and committed 18 turnovers. Morningside finished at 52.5% shooting with 11 free throw atempts and scored 42 points in the paint to help fuel the comeback.

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