Vikings pull away in second half to defeat Mustangs

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - After just a two-day turnaround, the Mount Mercy women's basketball team was back in action Monday night against cross-state rival, Grand View. The Mustangs dropped the Heart of America Athletic Conference game 83-57 at Hennessey Rec. Center. 

An old-fashioned three-point play from Anais Bonnemaison gave Mount Mercy (8-10, 4-8 Heart) an early 8-5 lead. The two teams traded baskets, until a 5-0 run gave the Vikings the lead, 17-12, after the first quarter. Grand View quickly extended their lead to double digits early in the second period. Marissa Brantley's second 3-pointer of the quarter brought the Mustangs within nine, 34-25, but that is as close as they'd get for the remainder of the game. 

Grand View (15-3, 11-1 Heart) shot 47.7 percent from the field including 52.2 percent from behind the arc. The Vikings knocked down 12 triples compared to just six for the Mustangs. Mount Mercy held the advantage at the free throw line, sinking 15-of-18, but were out-rebounded 45-29. 

In her first game back from illness, Deja Antoine finished with 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting, draining three 3-pointers. Madison Dreckman added 13 and Bonnemaison pulled down a game-best eight boards. Five Vikings finished in double figures as Anna Gossling led the way with 14 points off the bench. 

Mount Mercy travels to Peru State (Neb.) (6-12, 2-10 Heart) on Thursday, Jan. 19 for a Heart re-match beginning at 5:30 pm inside the Al Wheeler Activity Center. The Mustangs won 67-61 when the two teams played earlier this year.