Mustangs drop conference opener

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Grand View built a double digit halftime lead and defeated Mount Mercy, 85-66, in Wednesday's Heart of America Athletic Conference men's basketball opener at Sisam Arena.

It was a cold shooting night for the Mustangs (0-4, 0-1 Heart), who went 5-of-30 from 3-point range and shot just 33.3 percent from the floor overall. They were also 11-of-21 at the foul line. The Vikings (4-0, 1-0 Heart) shot 48 percent from the field and outrebounded the Mustangs, 52-33. Mount Mercy did win the turnover battle, committing just seven while forcing 15 Grand View miscues.

Ryan Bartley led three starters in double figures, scoring 19 points to go along with four rebounds and three steals. Anthony Horton, Jr. added 15 points and a team-high seven boards and four assists. Rusmir Hamzic tallied 11 points and five rebounds. Jaxson Fried and Aidan Yamilkoski chipped six points apiece off the bench.

Four Vikings went for double digits. Jacob Koontz led a balanced attack with 16 points and finished off a double-double with a game-high 13 rebounds. Noah Hart finished with 15 points, eight boards, and four assists. Jaxson Young had 14 points and nine rebounds. Markell Hood added 10 points in a reserve role.

The Mustangs look to get in the win column this weekend at Peru State (4-1, 0-1 Heart). Tip time for the men's game is 2:00 pm at Al Wheeler Activity Center in Peru, Neb.