Strong Second Half Propels Mustangs Past Clarke

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Mount Mercy pulled off an impressive 96-85 victory over Clarke on Wednesday at the Kehl Center, turning an eight-point halftime deficit into a triumph with a commanding second-half surge.

The game tipped off with a free throw from Brayson Laube, but Clarke quickly countered as Carson Lindauer nailed a three-pointer. Aidan Yamilkoski spearheaded Mount Mercy's early efforts, sinking three 3-pointers to establish a 15-7 lead at the 16:28 mark. Clarke's Lovre Stanovic and Desmond Jones kept their team in the hunt, with Jones leveling the score at 19-19 with a jumper at 12:24. The first half concluded with a flourish as Clarke's Jonovan Howard drained a three with 42 seconds left, securing a 53-45 advantage at halftime.

Mount Mercy stormed back after the break, led by Laube's three-pointer just 27 seconds into the second half, sparking the comeback. Laube's steady scoring, highlighted by two pivotal free throws in the closing minute, expanded the lead. Jaxson Fried was instrumental, contributing a layup and a three-point play to maintain the Mustangs' momentum. Clarke faltered under Mount Mercy's defensive pressure, managing just 32 points in the second half, sealing a 96-85 win for the Mustangs.

Laube finished with 25 points and five rebounds, showcasing his efficiency with nine field goals from 16 attempts. Fried topped the scoring with 27 points, converting 10 of 16 shots and all six free throws, while grabbing eight rebounds. Yamilkoski added 13 points, including three triples, and six rebounds. Kaden Johnson chipped in 12 points, hitting three from downtown and dishing out two assists.

On Clarke's side, Jonovan Howard led with 22 points, shooting 10-of-16 and providing six assists. Ivan Vukusic added 16 points, going 7-of-10 and hitting two threes. Lindauer contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, making two shots from deep. Jones notched 11 points and nine rebounds, shooting 5-of-8. Stanovic added 13 points, connecting on three of eight from long range.

Next up, the Mustangs head to face Central Methodist on Saturday, Feb. 7, with tip-off set for 2 p.m. in Fayette, Missouri.