Comeback bid falls short against Vikings

MARSHALL, Mo. -- Mount Mercy clawed back from a 17-point deficit in the second quarter but couldn't hold on to a late lead as Missouri Valley defeated the Mustangs, 71-64, in Heart of America Athletic Conference action Saturday afternoon at Burns Athletic Center.

Mount Mercy trailed, 37-20, before closing the second quarter with a 9-0 run to get within eight at halftime. The Mustangs (10-14, 7-6 Heart) surged ahead midway through the fourth quarter and the game was tied with just under four minutes to play until the Vikings (13-9, 7-6 Heart) took control and snapped Mount Mercy's three-game road winning streak.

Once again, Mount Mercy's starters carried the load offensively. Madison Dreckman scored 16 of her game-high 18 points in the second half. Annika Headington totaled 14 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Sammy Mia also had 14 points to go with seven boards. Sassy Coleman finished with eight points and 11 rebounds.

Irene Madrid and Isabella Regalado scored 15 points apiece to lead the Vikings. Ana Arroyo joined them in double digits with 10. Arroyo pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds, Benedetta Peracchi grabbed 12, and Brecon Antrillo had 10 boards.

Mount Mercy is at William Penn on Wednesday for a 5:30 pm tip-off at Penn Gymnasium in Oskaloosa. The Statesmen (3-21, 3-10 Heart) had to forfeit their first matchup with the Mustangs in Cedar Rapids on Jan. 5.