Mustangs fall to lights out Vikings

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Mount Mercy men's basketball team was looking to snap a four-game losing streak on Monday evening as they hosted Grand View for a Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup. The Mustangs fell to the Vikings, 95-72, inside Hennessey Rec. Center. 

Grand View's sharp shooting proved to be the difference in the game. The Vikings shot it at an impressive 65.6 percent clip and 57.1 percent from long range, sinking eight 3-pointers. Mount Mercy finished the game at 44.6 percent from the field and 23.8 percent from distance, but the Mustangs could not slow down the Viking's offense. 

Grand View (5-12, 3-8 Heart) used a 13-5 run to create their first double-digit lead of the night at 21-10. Mount Mercy would cut the deficit to 10 after two free throws from Kyle Kelley, but the Vikings always had an answer. The Mustangs hung with the Vikings in the second half, only being outscored by five, but Mount Mercy could not overcome the 18-point halftime gap.

On top of their hot shooting, Grand View assisted on 29 of their 42 shots compared to just 10 assists for Mount Mercy. The Mustangs only committed two more turnovers than the Vikings, but points in the paint heavily favored Grand View, 54-30. 

Cole Hrubes led Mount Mercy (4-13, 1-11 Heart) with 18 points. Landen Sullivan and Kelley each recorded career-highs, finishing with 15 and 11 points, respectively. Jacob Koontz led Grand VIew with 25, Dylan Miller added 22, and Brady Satorius totaled a double-double with 13 points and 11 assists. 

The Mustangs travel to Peru State (Neb.) (13-5, 8-4 Heart) on Thursday, Jan. 19 for their second of three games this week. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 pm at the Al Wheeler Activity Center. Mount Mercy looks to avenge an earlier season, 86-75, loss against the Bobcats.