Strong down the stretch, Mustangs beat Ravens

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The Mount Mercy women's basketball team owned the second and fourth quarters, keying an 82-72 Heart of America Athletic Conference win over Benedictine on Saturday afternoon at Hennessey Recreation Center.

The Mustangs (8-5, 6-4 Heart) trailed by four at the end of the first period, then outscored the Ravens by 11 in the second quarter for a 45-38 halftime advantage. Benedictine (10-5, 8-3 Heart) was within three after three quarters before Mount Mercy clinched their second-straight win by outscoring the Ravens, 22-15, over the final 10 minutes.

Madison Dreckman continued her excellent play, pouring in a game-high 24 points to go along with six rebounds and five blocks. Anais Bonnemaison was 10-of-11 at the free throw line while scoring a season-high 18 points. Sadie Struchen came off the bench to bury four three-pointers for 12 points. Annika Headington grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out seven assists.

Aaliyah Raines led four Ravens in double figures with 13 points and also grabbed six rebounds. Alleigh Kramer totaled 12 points, eight boards, and six assists. Riley Rottinghaus and Josie Weishaar chipped in 10 points apiece.

Mount Mercy goes on the road on Wednesday, traveling to the Kehl Center in Dubuque to take on fourth-ranked and defending national champion Clarke (14-0, 10-0 Heart) at 5:30 pm.