Fourth quarter draught hurts Mustangs

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The Mount Mercy women's basketball team trailed by just seven points entering the fourth quarter but was outscored by 22nd-ranked Grand View, 16-3, over the final 10 minutes in a 65-45 loss in Heart of America Athletic Conference action Monday night at Hennessey Recreation Center.

Leading 49-42 entering the final period, Grand View scored the first six points of the fourth quarter as Mount Mercy went nearly four minutes without a point. The draught ended with Malie Marfil's triple at the 6:10 mark but it would the Mustangs' only points of the quarter. Mount Mercy dropped to 8-7 overall and 6-6 in the Heart while the Vikings improved to 14-2 and 10-2 in conference play.

Madison Dreckman had 14 points and eight rebounds to lead the Mustangs in both categories. Marfil and Annika Headington added 10 points apiece while Madison Skelton finished with seven points and seven boards.

Four Vikings hit double figures, led by Cleao Murray's 18 points. Starters Anna Gossling and Ella Larsen had 13 and 10 points, respectively, Larsen also collected seven rebounds. Rachel Leerar chipped in 11 points and Lauren Conrey a team-best eight boards off the bench.

Mount Mercy is at William Penn (3-13, 2-10 Heart) on Thursday for a 5:30 pm tip-off at Penn Gymnasium in Oskaloosa. The Mustangs defeated the Statesmen, 87-70, in their first meeting this season on Nov. 21 at Hennessey Rec Center.