Mustangs fall at home to Wildcats

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- A 38-8 advantage in points in the paint sparked Baker to a 78-67 defeat of Mount Mercy in a Heart of America Athletic Conference men's basketball game on Saturday afternoon at Hennessey Recreation Center.

The Mustangs out-shot the Wildcats from 3-point range, 46 percent compared to 40 percent, and held a 15-10 margin at the free throw line, but were out-rebounded, 38-34. Baker stayed in the hunt for the Heart regular season title, moving to 15-6 overall and 13-4 in the league. Mount Mercy is now 6-12 and 5-9 in conference play.

Ryan Bartley was 5-of-5 beyond the arc and led all scorers with 29 points. Aidan Yamilkoski nailed four treys and finished with 14 points. Anthony Horton, Jr. added nine points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

Noah Rigatuso led four Wildcats in double figures with 18 points to go along with seven rebounds and three steals. Quentin Harvey tallied 15 points, Ahmed Mahgoub 14 points. Ty Henry chipped in 10 points while Korey Jones had seven points and eight boards.

The Mustangs face a pair of road games next week. Up next is a visit to Lamoni for a 7:30 pm tip-off against Graceland on Wednesday.