(RV) Northwestern College could not overcome an early run by No.2 Morningside in losing to the Mustangs 96-71 in the final game of the regular season played today at the Bultman Center.

The Red Raiders finish the regular season 12-8 in the GPAC, 20-10 overall; Morningside, the GPAC regular season champion, will be the No.1 seed in the upcoming postseason tournament, finishing 18-2 in the conference, 26-2 overall. 

Craig Sterk poured in a game-high 22 points, draining a career-best six three-pointers; one of three Red Raiders to score in double figures. Jay Small turned in his sixth double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds to go with three assists. Trent Hilbrands added 14 points and Isaac Heyer dished out a season-high seven assists. 

A pair of three-pointers from Sterk put Northwestern in front 6-2 in the opening minutes. Morningside scored the next 10 points that initiated a 21-4 run over an eight minute stretch as the Mustangs took control of the game, 23-10, after a three-pointer by Trey Powers. Two baskets by Trey Brown gave the Mustangs their largest lead of the first half, 32-16, and they led by 13 (43-30) at halftime. 

Northwestern shot just 33% in the opening half compared to 56% by Morningside. 

Consecutive baskets by Hilbrands put Northwestern down eight (48-40) at the 16-minute mark of the second half but that was as close as the hosts would get. Morningside scored the next five points and pushed the lead to 20+ points with five minutes to go. 

The Red Raiders shot 39% for the game, 33% (13/40) from the three-point line; they made 8-of-9 free throws. Morningside continued to shoot well, 62% in the second half, and 59% for the game. The Mustangs held a commanding edge on the boards, 40-23. 

Six Mustang players scored in double figures, including all five starters. Zach Imig netted 19 points, followed by Brown with 17 points coming off the bench. Will Pottebaum added 14 and Matt Hahn contributed 12.