Vikings down cold-shooting Mustangs

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Grand View out-shot Mount Mercy and held the Mustangs below 60 points for just the second time this season in a 76-57 decision in Wednesday night's Heart of America Athletic Conference men's basketball game at Hennessey Recreation Center.

The Vikings shot 55 percent from the field overall compared to 40.7 percent by the Mustangs. Mount Mercy's total included a 3-of-25 (12%) performance from 3-point range. Grand View moved to 7-8 overall and 5-7 in league play while Mount Mercy dipped to 5-11 and 4-8 in the Heart.

Ryan Bartley was the lone Mustang in double digits with 21 points. Rusmir Hamzic tallied seven points and seven rebounds, Anthony Horton, Jr. totaled seven points, six boards, and six assists. Landen Sullivan chipped in six points and Jaxson Fried five off the bench.

A balanced Viking offense was led by Jaxson Young's 17 points. Jacob Koontz added 14 points and 11 rebounds while Ayden Foster and Kino Thompson scored 12 points each in reserve roles.

Mount Mercy is at William Penn (4-12, 3-9 Heart) for a rematch with the Statesmen on Thursday at 7:30 pm at Penn Gymnasium in Oskaloosa. A win would give the Mustangs a season sweep after a 92-73 rout of the Statesmen on Nov. 21 at Hennessey Rec Center.