Late free throws clinch Pioneer win

OLATHE, KAN. -- Mekhi Elmore's bucket with 44 seconds left and a pair of free throws by Ed Wright following an empty trip to the foul line by Mount Mercy allowed MidAmerica Nazarene to escape Cook Center with a 76-72 Heart of America Athletic Conference men's basketball victory on Saturday afternoon.

Anthony Horton, Jr. finished one assist shy of a triple-double, totaling 20 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists to go along with three steals. Ryan Bartley played all 40 minutes for the Mustangs, hitting the 30-point mark for the ? time in ? games. He scored a game-high 30, grabbed six boards, and blocked three shots. Rusmir Hamzic added 10 points, nine rebounds, and three steals off the bench.

Elmore tallied 25 points, seven rebounds, and three assists to lead the Pioneers (5-3, 4-2 Heart). Caleb Jones-McCrary had 21 points, 11 boards, three assists, and four blocks. Anthony Brown joined them in double figures with 15 points. He also collected seven rebounds and five assists.

The Mustangs (3-7, 2-4 Heart) have two games left before the holiday break. Mount Mercy hosts Graceland on Wednesday at 7:30 pm at Hennessey Recreation Center before a trip to Baldwin City, Kan., for another Heart matchup with Baker at 2:00 pm at Collins Center.