Preview: Morningside Visits Doane in GPAC Men’s Basketball Clash

CRETE, Neb. (Interstat) — The Morningside Mustangs, riding a four-game winning streak, will visit the Doane Tigers in a Great Plains Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at the Haddix Center.

Morningside (13-5) enters with significant momentum, having averaged 87.3 points per game during its current run. The Mustangs defeated Doane 85-73 in their first meeting this season on Dec. 13 in Sioux City, Iowa.

A key figure for the Mustangs is guard Alex Wilcoxson, who is coming off a 26-point, six-rebound performance in a 102-80 road win at Dordt on Jan. 14. Over the last four contests, Wilcoxson has averaged 15.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists, providing versatile production.

Doane (7-10) looks to snap a two-game skid after a narrow 77-74 home loss to Mount Marty on Wednesday. The Tigers have shown resilience, with three of their last five games decided by five points or fewer.

The Tigers will lean on guard Trevon Beckman, who has been a consistent scoring threat. He poured in 26 points in the loss to Mount Marty and is averaging 18.3 points over his last six outings.

Morningside’s offense has been potent, exceeding 90 points in three of its last four games. Doane’s defense, allowing 74.2 points per game, will be tested by a balanced Mustang attack that saw three players score 16 or more points in the rout at Dordt.

Historically, the venue offers little comfort for Doane in this series. Morningside has won 17 consecutive meetings between the two programs, a streak dating back to 2014.

Saturday’s contest is a critical GPAC matchup for both teams as they reach the midpoint of the conference schedule. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.