Strong Second Half Propels Mount Mercy Past Park

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy (9-8, 4-5) secured a decisive victory over Park (7-9, 4-4) with a final score of 94-65 at Hennessey Rec Center on Saturday. Mount Mercy's strong offensive performance was highlighted by shooting 50.0% from beyond the arc, contributing to their substantial win margin.

The game began with Bayley Crawford scoring a layup for the Pirates, giving them an early 2-0 lead. The Mustangs quickly caught up, with Jaxson Fried hitting two free throws to tie the score. Aiden Price's 3-pointer at the 17:30 mark sparked a series of lead changes, but the Mustangs gained momentum with a 10-point advantage at 11:57 after a layup by Kaden Johnson. Park narrowed the gap, closing the first half with Mannie Odo's layup, but Mount Mercy maintained a 43-37 lead at the end of the half.

The Mustangs extended their lead significantly in the second half. Price contributed early with a layup and free throw at 18:24, pushing the score to 49-39. Fried added crucial points with a layup at 17:51 and a pair of free throws at 15:22, widening the gap to 57-40. Mount Mercy maintained their dominance with Cameron Williams hitting a 3-pointer at 9:22, and Jase Martinez closed the game with back-to-back 3-pointers, sealing the 94-65 win.

Fried led the team with 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 3 3-pointers, and grabbed 7 rebounds. Aiden Price added 23 points, converting 9 of 15 field goals and adding 4 assists. Kaden Johnson added 14 points, making 5 of 8 field goals with 3 3-pointers, and contributed 4 rebounds. Williams scored a season-high 14 points, hitting 4 3-pointers and collecting 2 rebounds.

Amaire Perkins led with 22 points, hitting 7 of 15 from the field and sinking all six free throws. Mikkel Cintron added nine points on 4 of 6 shooting, including a 3-pointer, and contributed four rebounds. Otavio Armani recorded five points, five rebounds, and two steals, providing a defensive presence. Odo scored 10 points, all in the first half, on 4 of 7 shooting, and secured four rebounds.

Looking ahead, Mount Mercy will travel to face Missouri Valley on Saturday, Jan. 17. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. in Marshall, Missouri.