Chargers and Mustangs Add Another Chapter to Sioux City Rivalry
Men's Basketball Game vs Morningside
Photo by Adrian Cancino Orozco
The rivalry between Briar Cliff University and Morningside University once again took center stage in Sioux City on Saturday, continuing a series that has long been defined by intensity, rowdy crowds, and momentum swings.
Entering the weekend, Morningside held a 27-17 advantage since 2007.
In the days leading up to the game, Briar Cliff head coach Mark Svagera spoke about the challenge of preparing for a rivalry that naturally carries extra emotion.
“I think it's really important that you go into this game knowing we need to execute at a high level, compete on the defensive end and play really hard,” Svagera said prior to Saturday’s matchup. “At the same time, you have to have fun in a game and atmosphere like we'll have. We're fortunate in Sioux City that both teams get great support and play in front of big crowds. There are very few places in NAIA basketball that have what we have in Sioux City.”
Svagera also emphasized the key areas he believed would determine the outcome.
“We talk about a few things that are really important for us every game which are our defensive intensity and our offensive urgency, and both will be big keys,” he said before the contest. “Doing what we do best and not straying from the basics is a big factor for us. We know Morningside is capable of going on runs during games, and we need to stay level-headed and positive if and when that happens.”
The rivalry has produced several unforgettable moments during Svagera’s tenure. When asked about his favorite memories in the series, he pointed to two games that still stand out.
“I've been a part of really fun games in this rivalry, but the two that stand out are the 2012 game at the Tyson Center — both teams were ranked in the top 25 and we played in front of a huge crowd — and last year in the Flanagan Center when we won the game on a Matt Stilwill buzzer beater,” he said.
Last season’s dramatic finish remains a favorite memory for Briar Cliff player Jaden Huygens.
“Definitely last year, tie game and Matt comes down and hits a three from the volleyball line and the court gets stormed!” Huygens said.
When the teams finally met on Saturday, the intensity matched expectations. Morningside used timely offensive runs and defensive pressure to create separation in the second half, ultimately defeating Briar Cliff 87-67; the result moves the modern-day series record to 28-17 in favor of Morningside.
While Saturday’s contest favored the Mustangs, the history between the two Sioux City programs ensures that the next chapter of the rivalry is never far away.