Cold-shooting Mustangs fall in Heart opener

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Mount Mercy men's basketball team came up cold Saturday, losing its Heart of America Athletic Conference opener to Benedictine, 77-65, at Hennessey Recreation Center.

After the Mustangs tied the game at 14 with 11:29 to play in the first half, they managed just nine points as the Ravens took a 36-23 lead to halftime and never trailed. Mount Mercy rebounded with a 42-point second half, but Benedictine answered with 41.

The Mustangs (2-3, 0-1 Heart) shot 44.6 percent (25-56) overall, but only 34.8 percent (8-23) in the first half. Mount Mercy made just 9-of-31 3-point field goals (29 percent). The Ravens (3-4 overall, 1-0 Heart) shot 50 percent (29-58), including 13-23 (56.5 percent) from beyond the arc.

Ryan Bartley led the Mustangs with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Cole Hrubes added nine points and eight rebounds, while Anthony Horton, Jr. scored 12 points off the bench.

Benedictine had three starters in double figures led by 16 points from Braden Belt. Sam Ungashick and Ahmad Louis each scored 13 points, while Brycen LaRue scored 12 off the bench. Preston Reynolds had a game-high 11 rebounds.

The Mustangs travel to Marshall, Mo., on Wednesday, Nov. 30, for a 7:30 p.m. game versus Missouri Valley (1-4, 0-0 Heart). Mount Mercy continues Heart action Saturday, Dec. 3, against Central Methodist (3-2, 1-0 Heart). Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Hennessey Recreation Center.