Basala, Mustangs earn another home win

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Bailey Basala poured in a game-high 32 points as Mount Mercy improved to 9-1 at home with a 79-72 victory over Central Methodist in Sunday's Heart of America Athletic Conference showdown at Hennessey Recreation Center.

The Mustangs (13-6, 6-3 Heart) have won three straight overall and six of their last seven games, with the only loss during that stretch coming on Jan. 5 against fifth-ranked William Penn. That's also their only home defeat in 10 games this season.

Sunday's contest saw five ties and eight lead changes. Central Methodist was able to climb out of a 13-point deficit in the first half to lead by six with 7:28 to go in the game. Eleven consecutive points by Mount Mercy over the next six minutes took care of that, however, as the Mustangs closed the game with an 18-5 run.

Basala, Mount Mercy's all-time leader in 3-point goals, buried seven more on Sunday to give him 274 as a Mustang. He also grabbed six rebounds to go with his 32 points. Tyler Kelley joined Basala in double figures with 10 points and pulled down a team-high 12 boards. Brandon Jackson finished with nine points while RoyShawn Webb totaled nine points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

Four Eagles hit double digits, led by Jonathan Brown's 21 points. Trent Lyles chipped in 16 points and seven rebounds, Jayden McGrew had 13 points, and Isaiah May 10. Thomas Sowoolu recorded nine points and a game-high 14 boards.

Mount Mercy hopes to level it's road record on Thursday when the Mustangs visit Peru State (8-10, 3-5 Heart) for a 7:30 pm tip in Peru, Neb. They will go straight from there to Springfield, Mo., where they face Evangel (13-5, 6-3 Heart) on Saturday at 2:00 pm.