Wildcats too much for Mustangs

CANTON, Mo. - Coming off a hot-shooting performance earlier in the week, the Mount Mercy women's basketball team hoped to continue that Saturday afternoon in a Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup against Culver-Stockton (Mo.). The Mustangs couldn't get in an offensive rhythm in a 79-47 loss at Charles Field House. 

Sadie Struchen picked up where she left off on Wednesday, draining three 3-pointers in the first quarter to keep Mount Mercy within three, 20-17. A Karlie Krogman layup leveled the game at 22 all, but the Wildcats used a 10-0 run late in the second to create some distance. The Mustangs trailed 37-28 at the half, but Culver-Stockton (12-5, 7-4 Heart) held Mount Mercy to just seven third quarter points while erupting for 26-points of their own for the commanding lead. The Mustangs shot a slim 19.2 percent (5-for-26) in the final 20 minutes and couldn't overcome the deficit. 

For the second consecutive game, Struchen landed in double-digits, this time with a new career-high of 16. Anais Bonnemaison grabbed seven rebounds and dished out four assists to lead Mount Mercy in both categories. Katie Webb lead the Wildcats with 16. 

Mount Mercy (8-9, 4-7 Heart) has three Heart contests this week, beginning with Grand View (14-3, 10-1 Heart) coming to town on Monday, Jan. 16 for a 5:30 pm tip inside Hennessey Rec. Center.