SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Valley City State dropped their opening game of the Holiday Classic Tournament to No. 7 Morningside College 86-55 Saturday in Sioux City, Iowa.
Valley City State shot 43 percent overall (20-47), 25 percent on 3’s (4-16), and 69 percent on free throws (11-16). Morningside shot 38 percent overall (32-85), 31 percent on 3’s (13-42), and 56 percent from the charity stripe (9-16).
The Vikings’ 32 turnovers allowed the Mustangs 38 more shots on Saturday. Morningside narrowly out-rebounded Valley City State 45-42 but their 23 offensive rebounds gave Morningside 17 second-chance points.
Valley City State started out with a 13-8 lead in the first quarter including five from Mackenzie Huber. With 6:03 on the clock, Morningside went on a 13-5 run to close out the first quarter to gain a 21-18 lead.
Valley City State kept up with Morningside through most of the second quarter, spreading their 13 points among six Vikings as they held a 31-27 lead with 3:38 on the clock. The Mustangs picked up some momentum as they scored 15 straight points over the last 2:17 to close out the first half, leading 42-31.
Coming out of the locker room, the Mustangs continued their hot streak as they scored the first eight points of the third quarter. From there, the Mustangs grew their lead to as much as 35 points in the second half en route to their 86-55 victory over the Vikings.
Valley City State falls to 3-5 on the season. Morningside College improves to 11-3 overall.
Senior Mackenzie Huber lead the Vikings with 11 points on 5-for-7 shooting and added five rebounds. Breanna Price pulled down a team-high eight boards for the Vikings.
The Mustangs were led by Sydney Hupp and Sophia Peppers as they each recorded 16 points and six rebounds on Saturday. Jordyn Moser added 13 points and four assists while Sierra Mitchell added 12 points and four assists for the Mustangs.
Valley City State wraps up tournament play Sunday at 5:30 p.m. when they take on tournament-host Briar Cliff University.
(photos courtesy VCSU Athletics)