DUBUQUE, Iowa -- Mount Mercy shot nearly 50 percent from the field while building a three-point halftime lead, but went cold in the second period and dropped a Midwest Collegiate Conference women's basketball game at Clarke, 63-61, on Wednesday at the Kehl Center.

The Mustangs (4-15, 1-2 MCC) were 6-of-12 from 3-point range and 13-of-27 (48.1%) overall in the first half to take a 36-33 lead at intermission. They struggled after the break, going just 7-of-23 (30.4%) from the floor. The Crusaders (4-12, 1-2 MCC) didn't fare much better, shooting 39.7 percent for the game, but outrebounded Mount Mercy, 35-34, and forced 20 turnovers.

Junior forward Amanda Frost had a game-high 24 points and five rebounds for the Mustangs. Senior guard Brooke Quigley finished with 19 points, seven boards and three assists. Sophomore guards Danielle Herdliska and Paige Last scored eight points apiece and freshman guard Makenzie Zeitler pulled down nine rebounds.

Three Crusaders hit double figures, led by 22 points from Jenna Kotas. Amanda Hamilton chipped in 12 points, Breland Prochaska 10. Savannah Shepler grabbed six rebounds, Brianne Boals handed out four assists.

Mount Mercy travels to Des Moines to face 23rd-ranked Grand View on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 5:30 p.m.