Bobcats claw back, overcome strong Mustang effort

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Mount Mercy put together a solid first half of basketball against Peru State on Wednesday night, but couldn't hold a double-digit lead after the break as the Bobcats earned a come-from-behind, 86-75 victory in Heart of America Athletic Conference men's basketball at Hennessey Recreation Center.

Both teams shot nearly 60 percent from the floor in the opening period, with Mount Mercy's hot start including an 8-of-12 performance beyond the arc as they took a 44-39 advantage into the locker room. Things changed after the break, however, as the Mustangs cooled off while the Bobcats continued to blister the nets.

Peru State was 63 percent from the field over the final 20 minutes as Mount Mercy cooled to 34.4 percent shooting and 1-of-13 from 3-point range. The Bobcats (8-2, 3-1 Heart) finished at 60.7 percent overall and outscored the Mustangs (2-6, 0-4 Heart), 44-32, in the paint.

Ryan Bartley finished with 16 points and seven rebounds to lead five Mustangs in double figures. Rusmir Hamzic added 13 points and four boards, Cole Hrubes 13 points, and Anthony Horton, Jr., 13 points and five assists. Camron Pierson chipped in 11 points, Kenny Clay eight rebounds and four assists.

Skyler Wilson had a game-high 22 points for the Bobcats. Four of Peru State's five starters hit double figures, with Lorenzo Anderson tallying 12 points, Jibril Harris, 11, and Man Man Baker 10 points to go along with 11 assists. Troy Houghton scored 15 points off the bench.

Mount Mercy travels to Springfield, Mo., on Saturday to take on 13th-ranked Evangel at 2:00 pm at the Ashcroft Center.