Strong Second Half Allows Mustangs to Stampede Past the Pride in Dominant Home Finale

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Mount Mercy's women's basketball team secured an 80-55 victory over the Clarke Pride in their final home game of the regular season Wednesday night at Hennessey Recreation Center.

From the start, the Mustangs controlled the game. In the first quarter, the Pride made 5-of-16 field goal attempts, just under the Mustangs' 7-of-21 shooting performance, giving Mount Mercy a 17-13 lead at the end of the period. In the second quarter, the Pride outshot the Mustangs, hitting 43.8% from the field and 66.7% from beyond the arc. Despite shooting 42.9% from the field, the Mustangs held onto their lead, heading into halftime up 34-29.

The second half saw the Mustangs dominate offensively while stifling the Pride's scoring opportunities. In the third quarter, Mount Mercy drained 11-of-21 shots from the field and went a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, outscoring Clarke 26-17. The momentum carried into the final quarter, where the Mustangs continued their offensive efficiency, shooting 57.1% from the field and securing the 80-55 victory.

Four Mustangs finished in double figures, led by Claudia Vanzant, who recorded a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Annika Headington contributed 18 points, shooting 6-for-9 from the field, while Madison Skelton and Malie Marfil each added 11 points.

For the Pride, Zoe Kennedy led the team with 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting from inside the arc. Maci Kuchta and Sydni Morris also reached double figures, scoring 12 points apiece.

The Mustangs aim to carry their momentum into their final game of the regular season as they travel to Fayette, Mo., to take on Central Methodist on Saturday, February 22. Tipoff is set for 12:00 p.m.