Second half 3-pointers down Mustangs

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Nearly identical stats were featured in Thursday night's Heart of America Athletic Conference game between Mount Mercy and Clarke men's basketball teams. The Pride pulled away late to defeat the Mustangs on their home court, 75-65. 

Less than three percent separated the two teams from the field, only one percent from 3-point range, assists were even, Mount Mercy had a slight rebounding advantage (38-35), and points in the paint also favored the Mustangs 32-28. 

Neither team could break away in the first half as there were nine ties and two lead changes. Cole Hrubes knocked down a 3-pointer with 1:26 to go, giving Mount Mercy a 36-33 lead at halftime. The second half picked up where the first half left off with three more ties and four lead changes. At the media timeout, it was all tied up at 57, but both teams struggled to find offense over the next three minutes as we were still tied at 58 until Clarke (7-4, 2-3 Heart) made a 3-pointer. From there, the momentum shifted and the Pride went on a 12-7 run to end the game. After going 2-for-15 from long range in the first twenty minutes, the Pride heated up and knocked down seven in the final twenty minutes as the Mustangs couldn't find their stroke down the stretch. 

For the ninth time in ten games, Ryan Bartley led the Mustangs with 17 points. He also grabbed 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. Cameron Pierson had his best game of his young Mustang career, scoring 16 points. Hrubes and Rusmir Hamzic each added 11. Biggie Luster and Anthony Eddy led Clarke with 19 points apiece. 

Mount Mercy (3-7, 1-5 Heart) is back in action on Saturday, Dec. 17 for a Heart contest against Park (Mo.) (4-7, 2-4 Heart). Tip off is set for 2:00 pm at Hennessy Rec. Center.