Mustangs drop Heart road contest

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Mount Mercy men's basketball team went on the road Saturday, and a strong first half by Grand View had the Mustangs playing from behind in a 97-85 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss at Sisam Arena.

Mount Mercy (5-4, 1-2 Heart) found itself trailing, 53-36, at intermission. A better second half kept the Mustangs within striking distance but they couldn't overcome that first period deficit. Mount Mercy finished at 50 percent from the field, including 7-of-20 beyond the arc. They were also 16-of-21 at the free throw line.

RoyShawn Webb, Mount Mercy's leading scorer on the season, put up 22 points while grabbing five rebounds. Ryan Bartley had another solid performance off the bench, pouring in 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field. Tyler Kelley had 11 points, Bailey Basala posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 boards.

Drew Johnson and Ryan Miller each had 20 points for the Vikings. Dallas Bailey totaled 16 points and 16 rebounds, Jackson Golightly and Dallas Bryson chipped in 12 points apiece.

Mount Mercy has a non-conference matchup with St. Ambrose in Monday at 7:00 pm at Hennessey Recreation Center, then hosts Culver-Stockton on Wednesday at 7:30 pm.