Third Quarter Draught Hurts Mustangs in Loss to the Wildcats

Canton, Mo.— The Mount Mercy women's basketball team faced a challenging matchup against Culver-Stockton on December 11, 2024, ultimately falling 70-56 in Heart of America Athletic Conference action at Charles Field House.

The Mustangs (6-4, 4-3 Heart) started strong, but a persistent Wildcat defense and timely scoring runs made the difference. Mount Mercy trailed 17-12 after the first quarter and 37-28 at halftime. Despite a late fourth-quarter push where the team scored 21 points, the deficit proved to be too much.

Senior forward Claudia Vanzant led the Mustangs with a double-double, tallying 10 points and a team-high 14 rebounds. Junior guard Sam Kiel contributed 10 points, including two three-pointers, while junior Malie Marfil added 11 points and six rebounds. The Mustangs shot 36.1% from the field but struggled beyond the arc, converting just 3-of-14 attempts.

Mount Mercy's defense forced 15 turnovers, with Isabel Wallschlaeger recording two steals off the bench. However, Culver-Stockton capitalized on their opportunities, shooting 42.2% from the floor and out-rebounding the Mustangs 37-30.

Culver-Stockton (7-4, 4-3 Heart) was paced by guard Elly Bentley and forward Avery Oetting, who each scored 17 points. Oetting also dominated the boards with a game-high 13 rebounds.

Despite the loss, Mount Mercy demonstrated resilience, particularly during a competitive third quarter where they limited the Wildcats to 10 points.

The Mustangs return to the court on Saturday, traveling to Benedictine with tipoff slated for 12 p.m.