Dominant Second-Half Propels the Mustangs Over the Vikings

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy's women's basketball team secured a decisive 84-64 victory over the Missouri Valley Vikings in a Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup at the Hennessey Rec Center on Saturday afternoon. The win improves the Mustangs' record to 12-7 overall and 10-6 in conference play.

Mount Mercy capitalized on a dominant second-half performance, outscoring Missouri Valley 48-28 after the halftime break. Sam Kiel led the Mustangs with a game-high 21 points, shooting an efficient 8-for-15 from the field, including 4-of-10 from beyond the arc. Malie Marfil added 14 points and three rebounds, while Ellie Morrill contributed 13 points and four assists. 

The Mustangs demonstrated strong offensive execution, finishing the game shooting 47.8% from the floor and 40.0% from three-point range. Mount Mercy's defense was equally effective, holding Missouri Valley to 38.7% shooting overall and just 15.0% from deep.

Missouri Valley opened the contest with a competitive first half, as the Mustangs were able to tie it up with a last second basket to end the half. However, Mount Mercy's third-quarter surge, highlighted by a 22-11 scoring advantage, created a margin that the Vikings could not overcome. The Mustangs sealed the win with a 26-point fourth quarter.

Additional contributions came from Annika Headington, who tallied 11 points and six boards, and Madison Skelton, who recorded nine points and eight rebounds. The Mustangs also benefitted from bench scoring, including an efficient eight-point outing from Sadie Struchen.

Missouri Valley's Ylenia Exposito paced the Vikings with 19 points and five assists, but the team's offensive struggles and 17 turnovers proved costly.

The Mustangs will return to action on Wednesday, January 29, traveling to face off against Grand View. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.