Photo via Jimmie Athletics

JAMESTOWN, ND. (NewsDakota.com) – In a matchup of the top teams in the Great Plains Athletic Conference Monday night, the #11 University of Jamestown used a 30-15 run over the final 10 minutes to secure a vital win over #18 Morningside, 81-71.

The opening 10 minutes of play favored the Jimmies, who jumped out to a 24-9 advantage despite some early shooting jitters. Jamestown kept the lead near 15 until Morningside went on a 15-2 run in the final five minutes of the opening half to make it 39-38 UJ at the break.

The second half was back-and-forth early until Morningside took the lead with 14 minutes remaining. The Mustangs notched its largest lead of the game a couple of minutes later, leading 56-51. A pair of threes from Marc Kjos ignited Jamestown’s offense, cutting the deficit to one.

Off the bench, Colby Vazquez brought extra energy to push the Jimmies ahead for good on an and-one with less than 10 minutes to go. After regaining the lead, Jamestown ended the game on a 22-13 run to secure first place in the GPAC.

Mason Walters had a huge first half, ending the game with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. Will Cordes had 19 points for the second consecutive game, and Kjos added 16 points.

Ely Doble of Morningside led all scorers with 27 points. UJ and Morningside each shot 46% from the field and 47% from long range. Jamestown finished plus four in the turnover battle.

Jamestown, winners of eight consecutive games, now sits with 1.5 game lead over Morningside for the top spot in the GPAC. The Jimmies are 20-3 overall and 12-3 in the GPAC.

UJ heads to the Corn Palace for a doubleheader against Dakota Wesleyan on Wednesday night at 6:00 PM. Full coverage can be heard on Jamestown 1071/1400, online at newsdakota.com, or on the Jamestown 107.1 app.