Mustangs hold off Warrior comeback

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- After leading by as many as 15 points in the first half, the Mount Mercy men's basketball team held off a Waldorf comeback and defeated the Warriors, 70-64, in their home opener Friday night at Hennessey Recreation Center.

Offensively, the teams were nearly even. Mount Mercy shot 46.2 percent from the floor and 31.3 percent from 3-point range while Waldorf was 46 percent overall and 34.8 percent beyond the arc. The Mustangs held a 34-29 edge on the glass and forced 18 Warrior turnovers while only turning it over seven times.

For the second time in as many games, Ryan Bartley led the way for the Mustangs, scoring 14 of his game-high 20 points in the second half to help his squad keep the Warriors at bay. Anthony Horton, Jr. added 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Rusmir Hamzic chipped in nine points, Cole Hrubes eight, and Kenny Clay seven. Mount Mercy also got seven points apiece from Riley Pankey and Cody Westcott off the bench.

Khyle Washington topped the Warriors with 17 points to go along with seven rebounds. Tyree'on Johnson tallied 13 points and six boards, Noah Miller 10 points and four assists. Zack Meyer scored nine points in a reserve role.

Next up for the Mustangs will be a trip to Sioux City on Nov. 8 to take on Briar Cliff at 7:00 pm.