Slow second quarter hurts Mustangs against ranked Eagles

FAYETTE, Mo. - Sammy Mia drained five 3-pointers for the Mount Mercy women's basketball team on Saturday, Feb. 11 in their Heart of America Athletic Conference contest against second-ranked Central Methodist (Mo.). The Mustangs fell 85-51 at Puckett Field House. 

Mount Mercy controlled the tip, and three of Mia's treys came in the first quarter, keeping the Mustangs within shouting distance, 19-15. In the second quarter, Central Methodist held Mount Mercy to just seven points, creating a 44-22 lead at the half. The Mustangs traded baskets with the Eagles in the third quarter, with Mount Mercy only being outscored 19-18. Central Methodist closed out the game with their second 20-point quarter to stay undefeated at 25-0, 19-0 in conference play. 

Mount Mercy (11-15, 7-13 Heart) struggled to find an offensive rhythm, shooting only 23.0 percent on the day (14-for-61). Mia was the only Mustang to connect from behind the arc, the Mustangs were 5-for-26 from distance, which is very uncharacteristic of Mount Mercy as they are a 30.2 percent 3-point shooting team on the year. The Eagles also held a 58-12 points in the paint advantage. Mia finished with 17 points. Anais Bonnemaison and Annika Headington each added eight. Headington grabbed a team-high 12 boards.

The Mustangs stay on the road for another tough Heart matchup on Wednesday, Feb. 15 as they travel to Grand View (19-6, 15-4 Heart). Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 pm at Sisam Arena.