Mustangs Outpaced on the Road in Conference Loss to Pioneers

OLATHE, Kan. - The Mount Mercy University women's basketball program concluded its Heart of America Athletic Conference road test with a 101–63 loss at MidAmerica Nazarene on Saturday. The Mustangs dropped to 4–4 overall and 1–1 in league play, while MNU improved to 6–1 and 3–0 in the conference.

Mount Mercy generated 22 bench points, converted 40 percent from the perimeter, and posted a 76.5 percent mark at the free-throw line, but the Pioneers' efficiency in the half-court, including a 59 percent field-goal rate and 46.2 percent shooting from 3-point range, created a sustained scoring gap across all four quarters.

The Pioneers opened the first quarter with a 9–0 run and maintained an advantage through early shot creation in the paint. Mount Mercy's initial points came at the 5:49 mark on a made field goal from Ellie Morrill. The Mustangs generated multiple early-clock looks, including two assists from Aubrey Luvan to Sydni Morris, but trailed 23–13 at the end of the period.

In the second quarter, Mount Mercy increased ball movement and incorporated bench rotations that produced additional interior touches. Gabby Dwanyen logged five consecutive points in a one-minute stretch, including an and-one conversion at 5:56. The Mustangs put together a 9–3 sequence during the quarter through made free throws, offensive-rebound extensions, and a transition finish by Morrill. The Pioneers, however, connected on 68.8 percent from the field during the quarter and entered halftime with a 54–28 advantage.

Mount Mercy produced its most efficient stretch of the contest in the third quarter, converting 41.7 percent from the field and 100 percent from the arc. Taylor Rose hit a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer with 3:48 remaining, while Sadie Stuchen added another from the wing at the 2:43 mark. The Mustangs generated 12 points in the paint in the period, including field goals by Morrill and Isabel Wallschlaeger. Despite the improved efficiency, the Pioneers continued their scoring pace and led 79–43 entering the fourth.

The Mustangs added 20 points in the final quarter, including nine from Stuchen, who converted 2-of-3 from the 3-point line and added two made free throws. Taylor Wells recorded a late put-back with 51 seconds to play, while Luvan added a mid-range jumper at the four-minute mark. Mount Mercy's final possession resulted in Stuchen's contested 3-pointer with 14 seconds remaining.

Mount Mercy finished 22-of-57 from the field (38.6 percent) and 6-of-15 from 3-point range. The Mustangs recorded 13 assists, 7 steals, and 23 total rebounds. The team posted 10 points off turnovers, 5 second-chance points, and 30 points in the paint.

The Pioneers posted four players in double figures, led by Mary Lukert with 20 points and three assists. The Pioneers generated 42 rebounds, 25 assists, and 62 points in the paint.

Mount Mercy returns to Hennessey Recreation Center on Tuesday, Nov. 25, for a 5:30 p.m. matchup against William Penn.