Mustangs Open Conference Play with Win over Wildcats

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. — Mount Mercy women's basketball opened Heart of America Athletic Conference action with a 72–67 road win at Baker on Saturday, using consistent half-court execution, a plus-nine advantage in made field goals, and late-game free-throw conversion to close out its third victory of the season. The Mustangs moved to 3–3 overall and 1–0 in league play.

Mount Mercy generated scoring balance across the rotation, with four starters reaching double figures and the team posting 15 assists on 26 made field goals. The Mustangs shot 42.6% from the floor and 34.6% from 3-point range while committing 15 turnovers and matching Baker with 36 total rebounds.

Sydni Morris led Mount Mercy with 21 points on 8-for-11 shooting, adding 10 rebounds for a double-double across 31 minutes. Morris scored eight points in the first quarter, established interior touches in the third quarter, and finished 5-for-6 at the line. Sadie Struchen added 17 points on 4-for-8 perimeter shooting and went 3-for-3 at the stripe, including two free throws in the final eight seconds to extend the lead to two possessions.

Aubrey Luvan totaled 12 points, hitting two 3-pointers and converting a key layup at the 5:36 mark of the fourth to regain a two-point lead after Baker tied the game. Luvan finished with a team-high six assists. Taylor Rose added six points, six rebounds, three steals, and one block in 37 minutes while directing ball screens and defensive spacing.

Mount Mercy trailed 18–16 after the first quarter but used a 9–2 run in the second to take control. Struchen connected on a pair of catch-and-shoot 3-pointers early in the period, and Candace Baker provided seven bench points to stabilize scoring during a stretch of frequent substitutions. The Mustangs entered halftime with a 34–29 advantage.

The third quarter featured the team's largest push. Rose opened the period with a made 3-pointer assisted by Luvan, and Morris added six points through post touches and mid-range jumpers. Ellie Morrill delivered a three-point play at the 1:16 mark to extend the lead to 51–42, and her follow-up layup in transition pushed the advantage to 11. Mount Mercy held Baker without a made 3-pointer in the quarter and forced five turnovers.

Baker cut into the margin in the fourth behind Gabby Rose, who finished with a game-high 29 points and went 15-for-16 at the free-throw line. A 6–0 Baker run brought the score to 56–54 with 7:22 left. Luvan responded with a made 3-pointer from the right wing off a Struchen assist to restore a two-possession lead at 59–54. Baker again pulled even at 59–59 with 5:56 remaining, but Mount Mercy answered with Luvan's driving finish and consecutive defensive stops.

Morris converted two free throws at the 4:45 mark to extend the lead to four, and the Mustangs maintained a multi-possession margin through the final minute. Baker trimmed the deficit to 70–67 with nine seconds remaining, but Struchen closed the game at the line with two made free throws after drawing contact in the backcourt.

Mount Mercy's bench contributed 14 points, led by Baker's nine and Morrill's five. The Mustangs produced 13 points off turnovers, nine fast-break points, and maintained a 5–3 edge in second-chance scoring despite matching Baker with 36 rebounds.

Defensively, Mount Mercy held the Wildcats to 38.5% shooting and 3-for-18 from 3-point range. The Mustangs allowed just one Baker 3-pointer after halftime and limited the Wildcats to five assists on 20 made field goals.

Mount Mercy continues on the road next week, traveling to take on Saint Ambrose on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.