Game Time...Another ranked opponent awaits the Red Raiders as Northwestern makes the trip south down Highway 60 to play Morningside this weekend in Sioux City. Tip-off on Saturday, Jan. 11 is scheduled for 2pm. Northwestern, ranked 12th in the last NAIA Coaches' poll released in December, is 6-4 in the GPAC, 11-4 overall. The Mustangs, ranked seventh in the last poll, is 8-2 in the GPAC, 14-4 overall. 

    Follow the game live via the following links: Watch Now | Live Stats | KSOU radio

All-Time...Saturday's showdown will be the 81st meeting all-time between the two rivals. Northwestern trails the all-time series 33-47, dating back to the 1976-77 season. The Red Raiders won both games last year and have won three straight in the rivalry; the teams have split the last 10 match-ups.

    Last Five Games vs Morningside:
    2018-19: 91-66 win
    2018-19: 82-53 win
    2017-18: 83-60 win
    2017-18: 76-65 loss
    2016-17: 83-75 loss

Scouting Reports...

    No.7 Morningside Mustangs: 8-2 (3rd), 14-4                Head Coach: Jamie Sale (19th year)

Morningside has won three straight and six of its last seven games heading into this weekend's game against Northwestern. Wins over Jamestown, Dakota State and Valley City State precede a non-conference loss to Mayville State to conclude the 2019 year. The Mustangs then defeated Mount Marty, Dakota Wesleyan and Bellevue over the last 10 days to climbe into sole possession of third place in the GPAC with an 8-2 record, 14-4 overall. 

Sale returns three starters and nine players from a 2018-19 team that finished sixth in the GPAC regular season with an 11-11 record, 19-13 overall. They lost to Antelope Valley in the first round of the NAIA D-II National Tournament and were picked sixth in the conference preseason poll. 

By the Numbers: (GPAC rank / NAIA rank if top 10)
    Scoring Offense: 84.2ppg (3rd)
    Scoring Defense: 66.4ppg (7th)
    Field Goal Percentage: 42% (6th)
    3pt Percentage: 35% (2nd), 199 3pters (2nd/5th)
    Free Throw Percentage: 77% (2nd/4th)
    Rebound Margin: +4 (4th)

    Top Players:  
    Sierra Mitchell (All-American) - 16ppg (5th), 59 3pters (1st/3rd), 38% 3pt (5th), 39 assists
    Sydney Hupp (2x All-Conf) - 15.3ppg, 49% FG, 7.8rpg (1st), 27 blocks (2nd)
    Sophia Peppers - 13.5ppg (9th), 48% FG (9th), 5.6rpg
    Taylor Rodenburgh - 9.8ppg, 23 3pters, 6.1rpg (9th)

    #12 Northwestern College: 6-4 (T5th), 11-4 overall        Head Coach: Chris Yaw (9th year)

The Red Raiders have lost two of their last three games, both to ranked teams, and are 6-4 in the GPAC, 11-4 overall, heading into the weekend. All four losses this season are to teams ranked in the top 15; Concordia, Hastings, Dordt and Dakota Wesleyan. 

    By the Numbers: (GPAC rank / NAIA rank if top 10)
    Scoring Offense: 84.2ppg (4th)
    Scoring Defense: 64.9ppg (4th)
    Field Goal Percentage: 45% (5th)
    3pt Percentage: 36% (1st / 9th), 156 3pters (3rd / 9th)
    Free Throw Percentage: 76% (3rd / 5th)
    Rebound Margin: +4 (3rd)

    Top Players:  
    Sammy Blum (All-Conf) - 13.6ppg (7th), 34 3pters (5th), 55 assists
    Alexis Toering - 11.7ppg, 7.5rpg (2nd), 44 steals (7th)
    Devyn Kemble - 10.5ppg, 24 3pters, 33% 3pt 
    Bre Schuiteman - 10.3ppg, 33 3pters (7th), 37% 3pt (7th)
    Hannah Nerem - 7.8ppg, 59% FG, 2.4rpg