Eagles' points in the paint too much for Mustangs

FAYETTE, Mo. - The Mount Mercy men's basketball team shot 40.7 percent from behind the arc and knocked down 11 3-pointers, but it wasn't enough to overcome Central Methodist's paint presence. The Mustangs came up short against the Eagles, 87-79, inside Puckett Field House. 

The Eagles scored 46 of their 87 points in the paint en route to a 51.6 percent (33-for-64) shooting effort. Mount Mercy was right behind at 46.2 percent (24-for-52). The Mustangs assisted on 20 of their 24 field goals. Anthony Horton, Jr. was one rebound away from a triple-double, with 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. Ryan Bartley scored 31 points to lead all players. Cole Hrubes was 5-for-10 from 3-point range to finish with 15 points. 

Central Methodist (16-9, 13-6 Heart) jumped out to a 20-10 lead, but 10 straight points from Horton, Jr. made it a two possession game, 26-20. Mount Mercy took their first lead at 27-26 and a five-point swing from Bartley put them in front 32-28. A 3-pointer from Trent Lyles with six seconds before the half, leveled the game at 46 all. In the second half, the Eagles built an eight point lead, 65-57, with ten minutes to play. Bartley's jumper with with 4:07 remaining made it 77-74, but that was as close as Mount Mercy (7-18, 4-16 Heart) would get. 

The Mustangs look to split the season series with Grand View (6-20, 4-16 Heart) on Wednesday, Feb. 15th at 7:30 pm at the Sisam Arena in Des Moines. The Vikings won the first game 95-72 earlier this year.