Kansas City, Mo.- Early in the Round of 16 at the NAIA Men's Basketball Championships on Tuesday, Arizona Christian found themselves behind against Morningside. But a first half surge sent ACU to the quarterfinals on Wednesday. Five Firestorm scored in double figures.
Game Info
- Game score: Arizona Christian- 85, Morningside- 63
- Records: Arizona Christian- 27-5, Morningside- 24-8
- NAIA Top 25 ranking: Arizona Christian- 2, Morningside- 18
- Location: Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, MO
ACU Stats For The Day
Inside the Box Score
- The Mustangs scored the first five points and five minutes in held a six point edge
- ACU used a 6-0 run to tie the score at 13-13 (Johnson, James Berry III, and Williams all scored two points)
- MU went back in front 15-13
- The Firestorm used a 10-0 run highlighted by three pointers from Hudgens and Flowers to take the lead for good
- From the point they last trailed, ACU outscored MU 29-11 to close the first half
- Despite the big lead, the Firestorm did not have a single scorer in double digits at the break
- The Mustangs were never closer than 13 points in the second half
- Mikah Blackwell connected on a jumper with 4:11 remaining to give ACU their largest least lead of 25 points
- ACU outscored MU 42-20 in the paint while producing 18 points off turnovers
Thoughts from Coach Rutter
"Proud of the guys and the effort tonight. We knew Morningside's skill level is very high and we needed to get after defensively otherwise they can really pick you apart. Our guys were locked in and executed the scouting report. Very unselfish game on the offensive as well. Excited to advance and get to play another day."
Up Next
The Firestorm (top seed in the Liston Quadrant, ranked No. 2 in the NAIA) will now face Indiana Tech (second seed in the Liston, ranked No. 6 in the NAIA) in the quarterfinals. The teams are scheduled for a 7pm (CT)/ 5pm (PT) opening tip on Wednesday.
