Mustangs drop Heart matchup to Vikings

MARSHALL, Mo. -- The Mount Mercy men's basketball team fell behind by double-digits in the first half and never recovered, dropping its Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup with Missouri Valley, 83-61, on Wednesday night at Burns Center.

The Mustangs (2-4, 0-2 Heart) trailed by 11 points at the half and cut the deficit to single digits early in the second period, but the Vikings quickly regained momentum and led by double figures the rest of the way.

Missouri Valley (2-5, 1-1 Heart) shot 47.7 percent from the field compared to 34.7 percent for Mount Mercy. They also out-rebounded the Mustangs, 48-39, and held a 12-2 advantage at the free throw line.

Ryan Bartley, who has scored 20+ points in five of six games this season, poured in a game-high 22 against the Vikings. He also had a team-best seven rebounds, four assists, and a pair of blocked shots. Rusmir Hamzic added 13 points, five boards, and five assists off the bench.

J'Luan Patterson led the Vikings with 21 points to go along with eight rebounds and five blocks. Jace Lance chipped in 15 points and six assists, Jonathan Hall 12 points and nine boards. Oliver Pauleon-Gerard pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.

Mount Mercy is back at Hennessey Recreation Center for the next two games, beginning with a Saturday showdown with Central Methodist at 4:00 pm. The Mustangs host Peru State on Dec. 7 at 7:30 pm.