Chargers Prove They Have What It Takes in Overtime Thriller Over Mustangs (Copy)

Abby Lee at the free throw line.

Before tipoff in Saturday’s crosstown showdown, freshman Abby Lee said the goal was simple.

“We want to prove that we have what it takes,” she said. “We’re a really good basketball team, and we have to prove that to ourselves.”

And they did.

In one of the most electric rivalry games of the season, the Briar Cliff University women’s basketball team outlasted Morningside University 105–99 in overtime, finishing the regular season with a statement victory on the road.

The Chargers and Mustangs battled from the opening possession. Briar Cliff held a narrow 18–17 lead after the first quarter, but Morningside responded with a strong second period, taking a 50–40 advantage into halftime.

Rather than folding, Briar Cliff regrouped.

The Chargers chipped away in the third quarter, outscoring the Mustangs 24–17 to cut the deficit to three. The intensity only grew in the fourth as both teams traded momentum in a packed, high-energy atmosphere. When regulation ended in a 92–92 deadlock, the rivalry needed five more minutes.

In overtime, Briar Cliff took control.

The Chargers scored 13 points in the extra period while holding Morningside to just seven, sealing a six-point victory that felt larger than the final margin.

Senior Mallie McNair led all scorers with a season-best 33 points, adding four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Brooklyn Heineman recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, along with eight assists. Kinzee Hinders provided a spark off the bench with 16 points, while Lee added 14 points and eight rebounds in her first experience of the rivalry on the road.

As a team, Briar Cliff shot 40.7 percent from the field, knocked down 10 three-pointers and converted 29 of 36 free throws. The Chargers also forced 19 turnovers, turning those into 28 points — a difference-maker in a game decided in overtime.

For head coach Connor Sonius, rivalry games like this extend beyond one afternoon in February.

“It goes beyond just one game,” Sonius said. “It impacts recruiting, it impacts confidence, and it’s a boost for the program. When you win a crosstown rivalry, the community sees that. It builds belief in your team.”

That belief was especially important after the Chargers’ earlier loss to the Mustangs in December.

“We were disappointed with how we played the first time,” Sonius said. “Our preparation level this week was really strong. We came in hungry.”

The win not only provided redemption — it delivered momentum at the right time.

Briar Cliff finishes the regular season 19–9 overall and 13–9 in conference play, positioning itself for the GPAC tournament and potential national tournament consideration. With postseason play approaching, the program carries expectations that stretch beyond Sioux City.

“This program is expected to compete nationally every year,” Sonius said. “You can’t shy away from that. We talk about it as a privilege. Our players get to compete in big games, in great environments. That’s an opportunity.”

For younger players like Lee, Saturday’s victory was more than just a win — it was an initiation into one of the area’s most intense rivalries.

“It’s special to be part of something with so much history,” Lee said. “These games are intense, but they’re fun. You just have to play confident and not be afraid.”

On Saturday, confidence won.

The Chargers now turn their focus to postseason play, carrying with them the belief they wanted to prove all along. They have what it takes.