Preview: Doane Tigers at Morningside Mustangs

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (Interstat) — The Morningside Mustangs, riding a four-game winning streak, will host the Doane Tigers in a Great Plains Athletic Conference NAIA men’s basketball clash on Saturday.

The Mustangs (7-4) have found their rhythm in December, most recently defeating Briar Cliff 77-63 on the road Wednesday. A balanced attack has keyed their success, with Fitzy Grant providing efficient production. In the win over Briar Cliff, Grant posted 15 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in just 26 minutes. Daniel Brocaille (19 points) and Caleb Dreckman (17 points, six rebounds, four assists) have also been consistent contributors.

Doane (4-5) arrives after a thrilling 79-77 home victory over Dordt last Saturday, snapping a two-game skid. The Tigers are led by guard Trevon Beckman, who starred in that win with 21 points and five assists in 38 minutes. Beckman’s scoring has been volatile, however, following that performance with just six points in a 90-59 loss at Concordia (Neb.) last Wednesday.

The Tigers have struggled on the road this season, with all five losses coming away from home, including a 90-59 defeat at Concordia and an 81-60 loss at Briar Cliff. Morningside, meanwhile, is 4-1 at home, with its only loss a 96-93 overtime thriller against Northwestern (Iowa).

Historically, Morningside has dominated the series, but Doane’s recent nail-biting win over a strong Dordt team suggests they can compete with the conference’s upper tier. Containing Beckman’s playmaking and scoring bursts will be a priority for the Mustangs’ defense, while Doane must find a way to counter Morningside’s depth and home-court advantage.

This game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams, with the rematch scheduled for Jan. 24 in Crete, Nebraska.

Tip-off is set for Saturday at Allee Gymnasium.