Northwestern Drops Semifinal Heartbreaker
by Zach Borg, Weekend Sports Anchor
February 24, 2013 12:50 AM
ORANGE CITY, IA -- A pair of Northwestern jumpers at the end of regulation misfired at the buzzer to help Morningside stun the Red Raiders 73-72 in the GPAC Tournament Semifinals.
Northwestern held a nine point lead late in the first half, but the Mustangs ended the half on a 13-2 run to grab a 39-37 lead at the break.
Morningside grew their lead to nine with just over six minutes left in the game when the Red Raiders countered with a 12-2 run, taking a 72-71 lead on a pair of Daniel VanKalsbeek free throws with 1:36 left. Northwestern never scored again, though, and Trent Miller and Kyle Nikkel hit free throws in the final minute for the Mustangs.
Northwestern's Ben Miller led all scorers with 26 points. Danny Rudeen led Morningside with 18.
Morningside will play at Dordt for the GPAC Tournament Title on Tuesday at 7 PM. Dordt beat Midland (NE) 69-68 in the other semifinal in Sioux Center.
The Northwestern women did defeat Concordia (NE) 85-83 in the women's GPAC Tournament Semifinals. They will play at Morningside for the title on Tuesday.
