Hrubes helps Mustangs secure comeback win

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Cole Hrubes poured in a career-high 22 points, knocking down 9-of-10 free throws, leading the Mount Mercy men's basketball team to a 77-68 Heart of America Athletic Conference victory over Clarke Wednesday night at the Kehl Center. 

The Mustangs trailed by as many as 10 in the first half, but ended on an 11-4 run over the final three minutes to make it 35-32 at intermission. Hrubes scored eight of his 22 points over that time span. 

Clarke (9-11, 4-10 Heart) controlled much of the second half, building their lead to double-digits again. It wasn't until a Riley Pankey jumper at the 9:24 mark that Mount Mercy took the lead, 58-57, for the first time since 12:12 remained in the first half. The Pride retook the lead, 64-63, but Hrubes' 3-pointer put the Mustangs in front for good, snapping their seven-game losing skid. 

Clarke held the points in the paint advantage at 40 to 24, but Mount Mercy (5-15, 2-13 Heart) capitalized at the free throw stripe going 29-for-34 compared to just 12-for-19 for the Pride, including 7-for-8 over final minute and a half. Mount Mercy also scored 14 points off 16 Clarke turnovers. 

Joining Hrubes in double figures was Jakari Bradley with 15 points off the bench to go along with six assists. Ryan Bartley added 12 and Landen Sullivan 10. Clarke was led by Chandler Dean's 19 points. 

After a three-game road stint, Mount Mercy returns home on Saturday, Jan. 28 with another tough matchup as ninth-ranked William Penn (19-2, 15-0 Heart) comes to town. Tipoff is at 4:00 pm inside Hennessey Rec. Center.