Fried Joins 1k Point Club in Win Over Culver-Stockton

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy (10-11, 5-7) cruised to a commanding 78-60 win over Culver-Stockton (5-17, 2-12) on Wednesday night at Hennessey Rec Center.

Mount Mercy wasted no time establishing control, with Jaxson Fried opening the scoring at the 19:02 mark with a layup. Fried's night was one for the books as he joined the 1,000-point club, securing his place in Mount Mercy's top 25 all-time scorers. The Mustangs pushed their lead to 18 points midway through the first half, thanks to key plays from Brayson Laube, who chipped in with a layup and a jumper, and Aiden Price, who contributed a layup and several free throws. Culver-Stockton tried to claw back with three-pointers from Makieth Deng and Damar Jenkins, but Mount Mercy held firm. By halftime, the Mustangs led 37-30, powered by strong defensive rebounding and efficient inside scoring.

In the second half, Mount Mercy kept their foot on the gas, stretching their lead to as much as 25 points. Aiden Price and Jaxson Fried continued to capitalize on scoring chances with layups and free throws. Brayson Laube added a 3-pointer to fuel the momentum, and Caden Schroeder hit a crucial 3-pointer in the final minutes to maintain the cushion. Despite a late 3-pointer from Donavan Whitfield, Jr., Culver-Stockton couldn't close the gap as the Mustangs' consistent scoring and rebounding sealed the deal, winning the half 41-30.

Brayson Laube led the charge with 22 points, hitting 9 of 14 from the field, including two from downtown. Fried matched Laube with 22 points and snagged eight rebounds, shooting 8 of 16 from the field. Price added 12 points and two assists, making 8 of 10 free throws. Kaden Johnson chipped in six points and two steals, anchoring a solid defensive effort.

For Culver-Stockton, Makieth Deng topped the scoring with 16 points, hitting 4 of 9 from the field, including two 3-pointers, and 6 of 7 from the line. Damar Jenkins added 11 points and two steals, shooting 3 of 8 from the field and 3 of 5 from the free-throw line. Kamren Wires also contributed 11 points, connecting on 5 of 11 attempts and grabbing three rebounds.

The Mustangs will face their next challenge on home turf against Peru State on Saturday, Jan. 31. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Cedar Rapids.