Mustangs Fall in Conference Opener

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. — Mount Mercy surrendered a 22-point second-half lead and fell 86–82 to Baker on Saturday in a Heart opener, despite 27 points from Jaxson Fried and a productive night from the starting unit .

The Mustangs controlled the tempo early, establishing a steady half-court rhythm and generating efficient touches through ball screens and dribble penetration. The Mustangs opened the game on a 45–31 surge, fueled by shot creation from Brayson Laube, who tallied 17 first-half points, and interior activity from Jordan Willis. Mount Mercy posted a 48.6% field-goal mark before intermission and committed just five turnovers in the frame .

Fried operated as the primary initiator throughout, finishing 7-for-18 from the field and 11-for-14 at the line while adding five assists. Laube closed with 24 points and three assists, while Kaden Johnson contributed eight points and seven rebounds. Willis added 10 points on 4-for-8 shooting and secured eight boards, helping Mount Mercy win the rebounding margin 39–38 .

However, Baker's bench production and perimeter efficiency shifted the momentum after halftime. The Wildcats shot 59.4% in the second half, generating repeated scores in two-man action and converting seven second-half 3-pointers. Mount Mercy's defensive rotations faltered as Baker's pace intensified, leading to a 20–5 Wildcat advantage in bench points and a late 23–6 run that erased the Mustang lead .

Mount Mercy maintained a narrow edge entering the final four minutes, but consecutive empty possessions—two missed field-goal attempts and a turnover—allowed Baker to tie the game at 82 with just over a minute remaining. The Mustangs came up empty on two late offensive sets, including a contested 3-point look from Laube with four seconds left. Baker sealed the game at the line.

Despite the loss, Mount Mercy posted a 40% clip from beyond the arc and outscored Baker 32–30 in the paint. 

The Mustangs next hit the road next weekend, taking on MidAmerica Nazarene in another Heart contest in Olathe, slated for next Saturday at 2 p.m.