Eagles hold off Mustang upset bid

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- A valiant effort by the Mount Mercy women's basketball team came up short on Sunday as 13th-ranked Central Methodist had just enough firepower to hold off the Mustangs, 58-51, in a Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup at Hennessey Recreation Center.

Mount Mercy (8-12, 5-4 Heart) came back from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter, nearly handing Central Methodist (16-3, 6-3 Heart) their first legitimate loss of the season. All three Eagle defeats have been forfeit losses due to health and safety protocols. The Mustangs got within two, 52-50, with 1:27 to play before a basket and four free throws iced it for Central Methodist.

Mount Mercy's lone double digit scorer was Madison Dreckman, who scored 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Sammy Mia and Kyla Richardson added nine points apiece, Cristian Patron scored eight off the bench. Annika Headington finished with five assists and three steals.

Three Eagles posted double-doubles, led by Eternati Willock's 17 points and 10 rebounds. Arleighshya McElroy totaled 14 points and 10 boards, Daryna Bachkarova 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

Mount Mercy, which had won four straight heading into Sunday's contest with Central Methodist, will be on the road for two games this week. The Mustangs face Peru State (8-9, 3-5 Heart) on Thursday at 5:30 pm in Peru, Neb., then travel to Springfield, Mo., to take on Evangel (10-9, 6-3 Heart) on Saturday at noon.