Mustangs Fall Short Against Bobcats

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy University (9-12, 5-9) couldn't hold onto their early lead, falling to Peru State College (12-10, 9-6), 67-45, at Hennessey Rec Center. Despite a promising start, the Bobcats' dominance on the boards, out-rebounding the Mustangs 54-29, played a pivotal role in their victory.

Mount Mercy came out strong with Taylor Rose sinking a 3-pointer just six seconds into the game, assisted by Isabel Wallschlaeger. Sydni Morris further fueled the momentum with a steal leading to a fastbreak layup, pushing the Mustangs to an early six-point lead at 8:14. They kept the pressure on, forcing turnovers and seizing quick scores in the paint.

Peru State countered with resilience, evening the score late in the quarter through free throws and layups. Jocelyn Ramos-Chears' two free throws at 4:41 briefly regained Mount Mercy's lead, but a Peru State layup at 00:29 saw the Bobcats narrowly ahead, 14-13, to close the quarter.

The Mustangs shifted gears early in the second quarter with key plays, including a crucial defensive rebound by Morris at 9:36, leading to a scoring drive. Aubrey Luvan's 3-pointer at 9:23, assisted by Rose, helped reclaim the lead. Sam Kiel added a 3-pointer at 7:22, from Luvan's assist, pushing their advantage to eight points at 7:07.

Though the Bobcats chipped away with Savannah Bingham's 3-pointers, Mount Mercy maintained control. Candace Baker and Rose added essential points in the paint, ending the quarter with a 36–33 lead, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive stops.

The third quarter proved challenging for Mount Mercy as Peru State seized momentum. Despite a defensive effort with four steals, the Mustangs struggled offensively, making just one of 16 field goal attempts. Baker's assist to Rose for a layup at 8:53 offered a brief lead, but MaKinley Tobey's two 3-pointers swung the game in the Bobcats' favor.

Kylie Diaz's blocks and defensive rebounds fortified the Bobcats' defense. Mount Mercy's attempts to regain control were thwarted, and the quarter ended with Peru State leading 47–38, having outscored the Mustangs 14–2.

Peru State opened the fourth quarter widening their lead with two free throws from Erison Vonderschmidt at 9:22. Mount Mercy answered with Wallschlaeger's jump shot at 7:48 but faltered amid turnovers and missed chances.

Diaz's 3-pointer and layup extended the Bobcats' lead. Wallschlaeger added a basket and later a 3-pointer from a Rose assist at 2:57, but Tobey's late 3-pointer sealed Peru State's control, culminating in a 67-45 victory.

Luvan led Mount Mercy with three 3-pointers and 13 points, also contributing two steals and two assists. Rose recorded three blocks, seven points, and seven rebounds, showcasing defensive strength. Morris grabbed eight rebounds, led with three steals, and added eight points. Wallschlaeger scored seven points, four assists, two steals, and a block.

Tobey spearheaded the Bobcats with 18 points, four 3-pointers, and three assists. Diaz notched a double-double with 19 points and 18 rebounds, adding seven blocks and six assists. Vonderschmidt contributed 13 points and eight rebounds, along with a block and a steal. Dakota Haner bolstered defense with three steals and four rebounds.

The Mustangs stand at 9-12 overall and 5-9 in conference play, while the Bobcats hold a 12-10 overall record with a 9-6 conference mark.

Next up, Mount Mercy travels to Dubuque, Iowa, to face Clarke on Wednesday, Feb. 4, with a 5:30 p.m. tip-off as the Mustangs hit the road.