Mustangs Secure Senior Day Win over Benedictine; Earning Season Sweep

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy (13-13, 8-10) clinched a 77-70 win against Benedictine (14-12, 10-8) on Saturday at Hennessey Rec Center, securing another season sweep over the Ravens.

The game kicked off with Mount Mercy gaining an early advantage as Julio Feria scored a layup just 14 seconds in. Benedictine quickly answered with a jumper from Brycen LaRue, leveling the score at 2-2. After several lead changes, Mount Mercy began to pull ahead. Aiden Price played a pivotal role, landing a layup at the 1:24 mark to push the Mustangs' lead to 35-26. They held onto control, ending the first half with a 37-28 lead after Jaxson Fried's free throws with just 22 seconds left.

Brayson Laube got the second half started with a three-pointer, assisted by Fried, extending Mount Mercy's lead. Although Benedictine, led by a three-pointer from Larry Parker III at the 9:09 mark, briefly gained a five-point lead, the Mustangs rallied. Price was crucial down the stretch, making key free throws to sustain the lead, while Laube's consistent performance at the line in the final minute sealed the victory.

Laube tallied 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Price was outstanding with 21 points and nine rebounds. Fried added 13 points and secured 10 boards. Aidan Yamilkoski chipped in eight points, including two 3-pointers.

For Benedictine, Deaglan Sullivan led with 21 points, shooting 8-for-16 from the field and hitting 5 of 6 free throws. Preston Reynolds dominated the glass with 13 rebounds and added 11 points. Drew Purdy contributed 10 points, going a flawless 3-for-3 from the line, and collected five rebounds. Gabe Sydzyik added seven points, four rebounds, and one block.

Next, the Mustangs are set to host Clarke in the final home game of the season on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in Cedar Rapids, with a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.