Mustang streak ends with overtime loss to Pride

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Mount Mercy's seven-game winning streak came to an end on Wednesday, but it took overtime for fifth-ranked Clarke to put away the Mustangs, 85-76, in a much-anticipated Heart of America Athletic Conference women's basketball game at Hennessey Recreation Center.

Both teams entered Wednesday's matchup on a roll. Mount Mercy had won seven straight since a loss to Grand View on Jan. 15, while Clarke was on a five-game winning streak following their only loss of the season to Benedictine on Jan. 20. After the Pride needed a 3-pointer at the buzzer to beat the Mustangs in Dubuque on Jan. 10, an overtime battle wasn't a surprise.

Clarke (22-1, 18-1 Heart) led by eight with just under four minutes to go, but Mount Mercy (15-8, 13-7 Heart) clawed back and sent the game into overtime when Madison Dreckman hit a short baseline jumper with three seconds left. She gave the Mustangs an early lead to start overtime, but from there it was all Pride. They scored the next six points and never looked back.

Stats were nearly identical across the board, with both teams shooting 40 percent from 3-point range and hovering around 40 percent from the field overall. Clarke did hold a 21-16 advantage at the free throw line, but rebounding was dead-even at 44 each. Turnovers were 14-11 in favor of the Pride and the Mustangs led in second chance points, 16-3.

Dreckman, the reigning WinWon Heart of America Player of the Week, had a huge night. She finished with 17 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks while becoming the 33rd player in program history to join the 1,000-point club. She sits at No. 30 on Mount Mercy's career scoring list with 1,014 points.

Malie Marfil also poured in 17 points to go with six boards. Anais Bonnemaison and Madison Skelton hit double figures as well, each totaling 10 points on the night. Annika Headington tallied eight points, five rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Karlie Krogman also scored eight points off the bench.

Clarke had five players in double digits. Nicole McDermott led the way with 20 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Taylor Haase added 15 points and 12 boards. Taylor Norris chipped in 15 points, Madison Lindauer 14 points and seven rebounds in reserve roles. Mya Merschman had 10 points as well.

Another crucial contest looms this weekend for Mount Mercy. With only four regular season games remaining, the Mustangs hold a half-game lead over MidAmerica Nazarene (13-10, 12-7 Heart) for the No. 4 seed and the chance to host a quarterfinal matchup in the Heart of America postseason tournament. Tip time is noon on Saturday for the Mustangs and Pioneers at Hennessey Rec Center.