Pioneers build halftime lead, defeat Mustangs

OLATHE, KAN. -- MidAmerica Nazarene built a 13-point halftime advantage and went on to defeat Mount Mercy, 79-67, in Saturday's Heart of America Athletic Conference women's basketball game at Cook Center.

Malie Marfil led three Mustangs in double figures with 16 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists, and a pair of steals. Madison Skelton added 15 points, Annika Headington 10 points and six boards. Off the bench, Mount Mercy (5-4, 3-3 Heart) got six points from Sadie Struchen and six rebounds by Karlie Krogman.

The Pioneers (3-4, 2-4 Heart) got 19 points and six rebounds from Kameron Green. Lydia Ostenson chipped in 14 points, Arielle Sargent 13 points and six boards. Aubrey Rogers tallied 13 points, four assists, and four steals in a reserve role. Bi'Anna Pettis pulled down a game-high eight boards.

The Mustangs close out the pre-holiday portion of their schedule this week. They host Graceland on Wednesday at 5:30 pm at Hennessey Recreation Center, then travel to Baldwin City, Kan., to face Baker on Saturday at noon at Collins Center.