Mustangs win fifth straight by establishing presence in the paint

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The winning streak for the Morningside men's basketball team continued Wednesday with a 77-63 win over Briar Cliff at the Newman Flanagan Center.

The Mustangs (7-4, 5-1 GPAC) were sharp from the opening tip, shooting 66 percent in the first half and using a 12-4 mid-half surge to build a 45-35 lead at the break. Morningside never trailed in the rivalry matchup, leaning on efficient scoring, active defense and another balanced offensive effort. Overall, the Mustangs were 56 percent from the floor.

"It's never easy to win in the GPAC, so I'm always grateful when our guys execute," head coach Trent Miller said on the KMNS-AM postgame show.

Daniel Brocaille paced the Mustangs with 19 points, knocking down five 3-pointers and delivering timely shots. Caleb Dreckman added 17 points and six rebounds, including a late first-half stretch where he attacked the paint to settle the offense.

Fitzy Grant chipped in 15 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals, helping Morningside hold Briar Cliff to 40 percent shooting.

"He just has a knack for the basketball," Miller said about the former Sioux City East High School standout. "He's probably our most athletic player. He can guard so many different types of players."

Kaden Van Regenmorter contributed 10 points and eight rebounds, while Alex Wilcoxson added five points, three steals, and two assists, including a key second-half 3-pointer that kept the Chargers from closing the gap.

The Mustangs outscored Briar Cliff 38-30 in the paint and turned 14 Charger turnovers into 16 points. Morningside's bench also provided 20 points, another sign of the depth fueling the team's winning streak.

Morningside returns home with a Saturday contest at 3:45 p.m. against Doane.