Bergmann Tallies a Career High as Mustangs Fall to Pioneers

OLATHE, Kan. – The Mount Mercy men's basketball team faced a tough challenge on Saturday, dropping a 95-77 decision to MidAmerica Nazarene in Heart of America conference play. Despite a strong shooting performance, the Mustangs were unable to keep pace with the host Pioneers.

Mount Mercy (2-17, 1-14 Heart of America) was led by Hannes Bergmann, who recorded a game-high 22 points on an efficient 9-for-11 shooting, including two made three-pointers. The Mustangs shot 48.2% (27-of-56) from the field but were outdone by MNU's 49.2% (31-of-63) shooting.

The Mustangs were competitive early but trailed 57-37 at halftime as MNU capitalized on a 62.1% field goal percentage in the first half, including 60% from beyond the arc. Mount Mercy made adjustments in the second half, narrowing the deficit behind steady contributions from Kylar Whitman, who added 12 points and seven rebounds, and Caden Schroeder, who chipped in nine points, including two three-pointers.

Mount Mercy displayed solid ball movement, recording 20 assists as a team, led by Miles Dear with seven assists. However, turnovers proved costly as the Mustangs committed 14 turnovers compared to MNU's seven. The Pioneers capitalized on those mistakes, scoring 20 points off turnovers.

The Mustangs also struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 58.3% (14-of-24) of their attempts. In contrast, MNU made 76% of their shots from the charity stripe, contributing to the Pioneers' control of the game's tempo.

MNU (9-10, 8-7 Heart of America) featured a balanced attack with four players scoring in double figures, led by Gary Clay's 23 points. The Pioneers' efficiency from three-point range (46.7%) proved decisive in securing the victory.

The Mustangs will return to the Hennessey Rec Center next Saturday, playing host to Missouri Valley, with tipoff slated for 2 p.m.