Baker's Double-Double Not Enough as Mustangs Fall to William Woods

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Mount Mercy dropped a 73-67 decision to William Woods on Saturday morning at Hennessey Recreation Center, despite leading for extended stretches and finishing with advantages in several key statistical categories. The Mustangs moved to 5-7 overall following the six-point setback.

Mount Mercy established early control with efficient offensive execution, shooting 52.9% from the field in the first quarter and building a 22-15 advantage after 10 minutes. Sydni Morris set the tone in the paint, while Candace Baker provided immediate bench production as the Mustangs emphasized ball movement and interior touches. Mount Mercy finished with 30 points in the paint and a 36-34 edge on the glass.

The Mustangs maintained momentum into the second quarter, extending the lead to as many as 11 points behind strong rebounding from Taylor Rose and consistent half-court offense. Mount Mercy entered halftime ahead 41-33, forcing William Woods into contested perimeter looks while generating 17 assists on 28 made field goals for the game.

William Woods shifted the game after the break with improved perimeter efficiency, shooting 57.1% from 3-point range in the third quarter. The Mustangs absorbed the run but saw the margin narrow to 55-55 entering the fourth as turnovers and second-chance opportunities swung possessions.

In the final period, Mount Mercy struggled to regain offensive rhythm, shooting 33.3% from the floor as William Woods converted timely perimeter shots and capitalized at the free-throw line. Rose finished with 11 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, while Morris led the Mustangs with 18 points. Baker added 12 points and six assists off the bench.

The Mustangs will play one final matchup before the Christmas break, taking on Waldorf on the road on Wednesday.