Mustangs right the ship, rout Pride

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- After a pair of road losses last week, the Mount Mercy men's basketball team got back on track with another home victory, this time a 106-74 rout of Clarke in Heart of America Athletic Conference action at Hennessey Recreation Center.

The Mustang offense found its groove, reaching triple digits after failing to reach the 60-point mark in losses at Peru State and Evangel. Mount Mercy (14-8, 7-5 Heart) improved to 10-1 at home on the season, with the only loss at Hennessey Rec Center a 72-65 defeat by then fifth-ranked William Penn.

Bailey Basala led all scorers, shooting 7-of-10 from 3-point range while pouring in a game-high 28 points to go along with six rebounds in 25 minutes. Melvin Lee came off the bench to add 15 points, five boards, seven assists, and four steals. RoyShawn Webb joined them in double digits with 13 points while also handing out eight assists, and Lavaris Duncan scored 12 points in 11 minutes.

Keith Johnson scored 19 points and grabbed four rebounds for the Pride (10-11, 5-7 Heart). Anthony Eddy chipped in 14 points, Gabe Shields 14 points and five boards, Reid Larson 13 points and six rebounds. Biggie Luster had six boards, six assists, and three steals.

Mount Mercy hopes to change their luck on the road with games at Missouri Valley and William Penn coming up. The Mustangs take on the Vikings (11-11, 3-9 Heart) on Saturday at 2:00 pm in Marshall, Mo., and the top-ranked Statesmen (20-1, 11-1 Heart) on Wednesday at 7:30 pm in Oskaloosa.