Eagles pull away late to down Mustangs

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – An early lead evaporated Saturday as the Mount Mercy men's basketball team lost to Central Methodist, 89-79, in a Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup at Hennessey Recreation Center.

Mount Mercy took its largest lead at eight points (13-5) five minutes into the game. With four minutes left in the first half, the Eagles had turned the tide and took their largest lead at 37-21. The Mustangs tied the game at 65 on a Cole Hrubes dunk with 6:56 to play, but Central Methodist pulled away down the stretch.

The Mustangs (2-5 overall, 0-3 Heart) shot 43.3 percent (29-of-67) overall, including 50 percent (13-of-26) from 3-point range. The Eagles (5-3 overall, 3-1 Heart) shot 56.7 percent (34-60) from the floor.

Ryan Bartley led the Mustangs with 19 points, just the second time this season he has been held under 20 points. Rusmir Hamzic added 17 points and Camron Pierson contributed 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Hrubes added 14 points and six boards off the bench.

Central Methodist was led by James Jordon with 21 points. Everett Stubblefield and Jayden McGrew each scored 10 points, while Charlie Bronakowski came off the bench to grab seven rebounds.

The Mustangs host Peru State (7-2, 2-1 Heart) on Wednesday, Dec. 7. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm at Hennessey Rec Center.