Mustangs come up short against Wildcats

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - For the second consecutive game, the Mount Mercy men's basketball gave everything they had against one of the top teams in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. This time, the Mustangs went down to the wire with Baker (Kan.), but fell 74-70 at Hennessey Rec. Center on Saturday afternoon. 

The first twenty minutes were tight all the way as neither team led by more than six points. Every time the Wildcats tried to pull away, the Mustangs had an answer. First, it was Jakari Bradley, then Rusmir Hamzic, then Ryan Bartley who tied the game at 30-30 with under a minute to play until half. Justin Batts II made a 3-pointer to give Baker a slim lead going into the break.

Baker (11-3, 6-2 Heart) came out strong in the second half building an 11-point lead, 56-45 with 11:49 to play. Out of a timeout, Mount Mercy sparked a little five point swing as Bradley drained two free throws followed by a Hamzic long ball. Back-to-back 3-pointers from Cole Hrubes brought the Mustangs within two, 70-68 with 2:26 remaining. Mount Mercy (4-10, 1-8 Heart) had two opportunities to take the lead or force overtime, but the shots didn't fall. Two free throws from the Wildcats sealed the deal, 74-40. 

The Mustangs knocked down seven from behind the arc compared to only three for the Wildcats. Mount Mercy forced more turnovers than they committed, but Baker controlled the paint, 38-22 and had nine more rebounds. Hrubes and Bartley each went for 20, and Hamzic added 12 off the bench. Bradley had his best game of the season, finishing with 11 points and leading the Mustangs with six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Jalen Patterson led Baker with 19 points. 

Mount Mercy is back in action at home on Wednesday, Jan. 11 as Graceland (8-7, 3-6 Heart) comes to town for Heart action beginning at 7:30 pm inside Hennessey Rec. Center.