Struchen Leads Mustangs in Narrow Win Against Yellowjackets

LAMONI, Iowa — The Mount Mercy Mustangs (9-9, 5-6) edged out the Graceland Yellowjackets (3-17, 2-10) with a 62-58 victory, holding onto a 24-point lead in the third quarter to secure the win. The Mustangs dominated inside with 28 points in the paint and took advantage of turnovers to score 14 points.

Mount Mercy set the pace early in the first quarter with Isabel Wallschlaeger's opening 3-pointer, establishing an aggressive offensive rhythm. They capitalized on Graceland's turnovers, with Sam Kiel and Sydni Morris consistently driving to the basket. Sadie Struchen contributed momentum-shifting 3-pointers, helping the Mustangs control the quarter.

Defensively, the Mustangs were solid, limiting the Yellowjackets to just five baskets and a free throw. By the end of the first, Mount Mercy led 19-11, entering the second quarter confidently.

The second quarter saw the Mustangs continue to capitalize on turnovers. Wallschlaeger converted a layup after a Graceland turnover at 9:22, followed by a steal from Taylor Rose, keeping the defensive pressure high. Despite some missed shots, Mount Mercy extended their lead with consistent paint scoring, including a layup from Candace Baker at 6:30.

Struchen's offensive burst at 3:51, featuring a layup and back-to-back 3-pointers, widened the Mustangs' lead. The Yellowjackets struggled to respond, with Mount Mercy's defense forcing multiple turnovers and limiting their chances.

The quarter ended with a highlight from Baker, who sank a 3-pointer as time expired, giving the Mustangs a commanding 44–21 lead.

Entering the third quarter with a strong 24-point cushion at 9:06, Morris added a successful free throw. Despite Graceland's attempts to close the gap, with Ianara Morbidoni scoring multiple baskets, the Mustangs held firm. Key plays like Rose's steal and layup at 5:38 helped sustain the lead.

Morris added a layup at 1:59, pushing the score further. Though the Yellowjackets made some successful attempts, Mount Mercy's defensive rebounding and a crucial block by Morris at 0:12 minimized their comeback chances. The quarter closed with the Mustangs up 53–41.

Mount Mercy's defense shone in the fourth quarter, maintaining their significant lead. Baker began with a layup at 9:51, and Struchen stretched the lead to 17 points with a 3-pointer at 7:57. Despite several turnovers, the Mustangs kept the Yellowjackets at bay.

Graceland made a steady push, narrowing the gap with free throws and layups, but the Mustangs remained resilient. Kiel's 3-pointer at 1:38 solidified the lead despite the Yellowjackets' late efforts. The game concluded with Mount Mercy on top, 62-58.

Struchen led with 17 points and five rebounds, hitting five 3-pointers. Rose grabbed 13 rebounds, 11 defensively, and added seven points. Wallschlaeger contributed 11 points and five assists. Kiel scored 10 points, including two 3-pointers, and secured a rebound.

Oliviya Tinoco paced the Yellowjackets with 18 points, making 5 of 7 field goals and 6 of 8 free throws, while grabbing six rebounds. Morbidoni matched Tinoco's 18 points, also recording 11 rebounds for a double-double and three steals. Maxine Ampofo added seven points and four rebounds, though turnovers were an issue with five. Julianna Penn added two steals and three points.

Mount Mercy's record improves to 9-9 overall and 5-6 in the conference. Graceland sits at 3-17 overall and 2-10 in conference play.

Next, the Mustangs will face Grand View on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 12 p.m. in Des Moines, Iowa.