Mustangs’ Rally Falls Short Against Comets

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Mount Mercy University women's basketball team dropped a 72–65 decision to Mayville State University on Wednesday evening at Hennessey Recreation Center. Despite four Mustangs scoring in double figures, a late surge by the Comets proved decisive in the nonconference matchup. The loss moves Mount Mercy to 2–3 on the season, while Mayville State improved to 1–2.

Mount Mercy shot 33.8 percent from the field (22-of-65) and 23.1 percent from three-point range (6-of-26) while converting 15-of-21 from the free-throw line. The Mustangs collected 37 rebounds, eight assists, and 10 steals but were out-rebounded 52–37.

Mayville State shot 37.7 percent overall (23-of-61), including 27.3 percent from beyond the arc, and went 20-of-25 at the line for 80 percent. The Comets recorded 13 assists, 12 steals, and used a 28-point fourth quarter to secure the win.

Aubrey Luvan led Mount Mercy with 19 points on 8-of-20 shooting, including three three-pointers. Candace Baker added 12 points and six rebounds, while Taylor Rose and Gabby Dwanyen each scored 10. Rose also registered three steals and a block in a team-high 40 minutes of action.

Sadie Struchen and Sydni Morris contributed seven points apiece as Mount Mercy placed five players in the scoring column with seven or more.

For Mayville State, Laela Jensen paced all scorers with 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting and 3-of-5 from deep. Hannah Stark finished with 16 points and seven rebounds, and Bella Kanz supplied 15 points and nine boards off the bench.

Misti Zempel reached 10 points, and Lynae Walker added nine points and six rebounds. The Comets' depth proved critical as their reserves outscored Mount Mercy's bench, 19–10.

Mayville State controlled the tempo early, opening on a 13–4 run while limiting Mount Mercy to one field goal in the first quarter. The Mustangs trailed 13–4 after one but found rhythm in the second frame, shooting 40 percent and trimming the halftime margin to 28–20. Luvan and Rose combined for nine of the team's 16 second-quarter points.

Mount Mercy gained momentum in the third quarter behind improved defensive rotations and ball pressure. Rose knocked down a pair of perimeter shots, and Luvan added two mid-range jumpers to pull within single digits, though Mayville State held a 44–33 lead entering the fourth.

The Mustangs outscored the Comets 32–28 in the final period, fueled by Baker's drives and transition execution. Baker scored six straight points during a 10–2 run that tied the game at 52–52 with 5:04 left. Mayville State answered with a 10–3 stretch behind Stark's outside shooting, including back-to-back threes that pushed the lead to 63–55 with two minutes remaining.

Stark then converted two free throws in the closing seconds to close the contest. Luvan hit a late three to bring the margin to seven, but the Comets held possession to run out the clock.

Mount Mercy forced 23 turnovers while committing 18, and turned those into 14 points. Both teams finished even in second-chance points with 11 apiece, though Mayville State held a 32–18 edge in points in the paint.

The Comets' largest lead of 14 came midway through the second quarter, while Mount Mercy briefly went ahead by one following Baker's and-one conversion early in the fourth.

Mount Mercy returns to action Wednesday, Nov. 12, hosting Loras College in a non-conference matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Hennessey Recreation Center.