Fried Leads Mount Mercy in Close Loss to Missouri Valley

MARSHALL, Mo. — Mount Mercy's record slipped to 9-9, 4-6 after a tough 80-71 loss against Missouri Valley (13-6, 7-4) on Saturday at the Burns Athletic Complex. The Mustangs had a promising start with a 12-point lead in the first half, but couldn't fend off the Vikings' second-half comeback.

The game began with Mount Mercy establishing a quick 6-0 lead, thanks to layups by Aiden Price and Brayson Laube. Missouri Valley's Cael Simpson soon responded, tightening the score to 10-3 with a free throw. Price was instrumental, landing a three-pointer at 16:25 and helping the Mustangs maintain their lead. With 34 seconds left in the first half, Kaden Johnson nailed a pivotal three-pointer, pushing the Mustangs to a 41-37 lead at halftime.

Missouri Valley came back strong after the break, ultimately securing an 80-71 win. Kamari Slaughter's consistent scoring in the paint, highlighted by a layup at 5:33, helped the Vikings build a 12-point lead with less than a minute remaining. Mount Mercy's Jaxson Fried gave a last-minute effort with a three-pointer at the 41-second mark, but the gap was too wide. The Vikings' effective defense and bench depth were critical in preserving their lead in the closing moments.

Fried led the Mustangs 25 points, making 8 of 10 shots, including three from long range, while pulling down five rebounds. Laube added 20 points, hitting 6 of 11 field goals and going a flawless 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. Price added 14 points, converting 5 field goal attempts and grabbing two steals. Aidan Yamilkoski chipped in five points, blocked a shot, and collected four rebounds.

Antwon Ferrell spearheaded the Vikings with 23 points, making 9 of 10 free throws and dishing out four assists. Damario Moss added 16 points and five rebounds, shooting 50% from the field. Slaughter also contributed 16 points, hitting 8 of 14 field goals and securing eight rebounds. Anthony Leath made an impact defensively with two steals and added two points.

Up next, the Mustangs are set to travel to face Graceland on Wednesday, Jan. 21. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. in Lamoni, Iowa.