Morningside’s run in the NAIA National Tournament came to an end in the National Semifinals on Monday evening with a 65-52 loss to top-seeded Thomas More.

Thomas More built a 16-point lead with 3 minutes left in the first half but the Mustangs began to connect from downtown and cut the lead to 6 by halftime. The Mustangs continued their hot shooting in the second half and came all the way back to lead by 1 with just under 8 minutes left. The Saints answered back though with a six point run and held on down the stretch.

Taylor Clos led the Saints with 14 points and five assists. They advance to face Westmont (CA) in the National Championship game tonight at 7:00 p.m. Westmont advanced with a 74-65 win over Indiana Wesleyan in the other Semifinal.

Exira-EHK graduate Sophia Peppers scored 9 points for the Mustangs. The junior also had 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. Sierra Mithcell led all scorers with 27 points for Morningside. The Mustangs finish the season at 29-3.