Statesmen hang on to defeat Mustangs

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- In what turned out to be a low-scoring affair for these two teams, fifth-ranked William Penn outlasted Mount Mercy, 71-66, in Wednesday's Heart of America Athletic Conference contest at Hennessey Recreation Center.

At 92.3 and 81.4 points per game, respectively, the Statesmen (13-1, 5-1 Heart) and Mustangs (10-6, 3-3 Heart) are the first and third-highest scoring teams in the Heart. Both struggled a bit offensively, especially from 3-point range. William Penn was an icy 3-of-19 (15.8%) beyond the arc, while Mount Mercy was just 7-of-30 (23.3%).

RoyShawn Webb and Bailey Basala combined for more than half of Mount Mercy's scoring total. Webb poured in a game-high 26 points to go along with eight rebounds and four assists. Basala had a double-double, totaling 14 points and 10 boards. Melvin Lee added nine points off the bench and Tyler Kelley pulled down a game-best 14 rebounds.

Kevion Blaylock led three Statesmen in double figures with 16 points while grabbing eight rebounds. Chanze Cruesoe had 14 points and eight boards off the bench while Karmari Newman chipped in 10 points.

Mount Mercy is on the road this weekend, taking on Park on Saturday at 2:00 pm in Parkville, Mo.