No. 21 Mustangs share the ball well in win over Hastings

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Ball control was a key factor in Saturday's 103-91 victory for the Morningside men's basketball squad over Hastings, moving their home record to 11-0 on the season.

The 21st-ranked Mustangs dished out assists like Valentine's Day candy, totaling 28 assists on 38 made shots. Alex Wilcoxson led the Mustangs with 11, while Daniel Brocaille and Fitzy Grant each turned in four. The Mustangs also turned the ball over just six times. 

"Anytime you can get 28 assists to six turnovers, you're going to have a very efficient night offensively," head coach Trent Miller said. "I love how our guys were executing. They got great shots for each other. We were the aggressor for all 40 minutes."

The 28 assists were the second most in a game this season, while Saturday marked the second time they committed six turnovers. Their season high came Nov. 11 against Peru State of 35 assists.

It's the third time over the last four games where Morningside has reeled off 20-plus assists.

"The coaches have worked with us a lot on making the right read," said Sioux City native Fitzy Grant, who scored 17 points. "We're very unselfish, and when do that as often as we do in practice, it's become second nature. Everyone did a great job."

Grant and Brocaille each scored 17 points, being two of six who scored in double figures. Freshman Tyson Odvody topped the lineup with 19 points, as he made eight shots and three free throws.

Wilcoxson clinched a double-double by also scoring 14 points, as he made four 3-pointers. The Mustangs were 13-for-23 from deep range.

Kaden Van Regenmorter contributed 11 points, while Brayden Dinkla scored 10 points as the sixth man.

Morningside shot 63 percent on Saturday, marking the seventh consecutive game where it went 50 percent or better.

Morningside's defense was solid, too. Hastings committed 15 turnovers, and the Mustangs turned those into 30 points.

The Mustangs wanted to bounce back after Wednesday's loss at Northwestern, and to feel confident going into next Saturday's regular-season finale at home vs. Briar Cliff.

"If you don't bring your game early, it can become a game," Grant said. "We wanted to do our part to do the little things to set the tone."