Vanzant's Career Game Propelled a Mustang Victory Over Wildcats

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Mount Mercy's women's basketball team secured a thrilling 70-62 victory over the Culver-Stockton Wildcats on Thursday night at Hennessey Recreation Center. A dominant fourth-quarter offensive surge propelled the Mustangs past the Wildcats and back into the win column.

Right from the tip-off, the game was evenly matched. The Wildcats held a one-point lead at the end of the first quarter, despite the Mustangs shooting an efficient 7-of-13 from the field. By halftime, Mount Mercy had taken control, leading 35-31 on 8-of-16 shooting while holding the Wildcats to just 35.7% from the field.

The second half saw momentum shift again. The Wildcats clamped down defensively in the third quarter, holding the Mustangs to just nine points and taking a 51-44 lead into the final period. However, Mount Mercy responded in a dominant fashion. Claudia Vanzant exploded for 15 fourth-quarter points, leading the Mustangs to a 26-point quarter on 10-of-12 lights-out shooting, sealing the 70-62 victory.

Vanzant led the Mustangs with a career-high 25 points, shooting an impressive 11-of-14 from the field and a perfect 3-for-3 from the line while also grabbing nine rebounds. Malie Marfil and Sam Kiel provided solid support, each contributing 12 points. Marfil went 5-of-6 from the line, while Kiel shot 5-of-10 from the field.

The Wildcats were led by Misora Nambara, who scored 18 points on 8-of-15 shooting. Katie Webb followed with 12 points and two rebounds.

Mount Mercy (14-10, 12-9 Heart) will return to action on Saturday, February 15, hosting Peru State at 12:00 p.m.