Mustangs Drop OT Heartbreaker to Clarke Despite Career Games from Johnson and Feria

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The Mustangs fell in a hard-fought overtime contest against Clarke University, 81-74, at the Kehl Center on Wednesday night in Heart of America Athletic Conference action.

The game was tightly contested, featuring 27 lead changes and eight ties. Mount Mercy led by as many as seven points midway through the second half, but Clarke's efficiency at the free-throw line (82.4%) and timely shooting propelled the Pride to the win.

Kaden Johnson spearheaded the Mount Mercy offense, notching a career-best 29 points on 10-of-24 shooting, including three 3-pointers. He added eight rebounds and five assists in 41 minutes of play. Julio Feria complemented Johnson's efforts with a career-high 26 points, shooting an efficient 11-of-16 from the field. Feria also contributed three rebounds and two assists.

The Mustangs (2-14, 1-11 Heart of America) outrebounded Clarke 48-39 and outscored their opponents 40-30 in the paint. However, Mount Mercy struggled from the free-throw line, converting just 47.6% (10-of-21) of their attempts, which proved costly in a game that went into overtime.

Clarke's DeMarco Clayton led all scorers with 32 points, including a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in the extra period. Nick Bryant also provided a crucial spark for Clarke in overtime, scoring five of his nine points during the final frame.

Mount Mercy will look to bounce back on Saturday, traveling to play Park, with tipoff slated for 2 p.m.