Basala, Webb help Mustangs escape with road win

CANTON, Mo. -- Bailey Basala poured in 24 points and RoyShawn Webb hit the go-ahead free throw with five seconds left to allow the Mount Mercy men's basketball team to escape Charles Field House with a 75-74 Heart of America Athletic Conference victory over Culver-Stockton on Wednesday.

The Mustangs led by five at halftime but trailed by a point with five minutes to go in the game. A layup by Basala put Mount Mercy in front, 66-65, with 4:56 remaining and they would never trail again. A 3-pointer by the Wildcats with 50 seconds left tied the game for the final time, and Webb the second of two free throws with five seconds on the clock.

Basala buried four treys and was 9-of-15 overall from the field during his 24-point effort. Ryan Bartley tallied 16 points and five rebounds, Webb finished with 15 points, four boards, and four assists. Tyler Kelley had a team-high seven rebounds.

Jalen Blaize led the Wildcats (14-11, 5-11 Heart) with a game-high 25 points. Alonzo Ortiz-Traylor added 24 points and a team-best six rebounds. Javon Modester joined them in double figures with 10 points.

The win was huge for the Mustangs (16-10, 9-7 Heart), who are jockeying for postseason position in the Heart. With three regular season games remaining, Mount Mercy is tied with Grand View in second place in the North Division. The top three teams in each division earn a postseason berth, with the final two spots going to the programs with the next best conference records regardless of division.

Two of Mount Mercy's final three games are at home where they are 10-2 this season. The Mustangs host MidAmerica Nazarene (14-12, 9-7 Heart) on Saturday at 4:00 pm at Hennessey Recreation Center.