Jaguars go wire-to-wire to defeat Mustangs

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ill. -- In their first game since the holiday break, the Mount Mercy women's basketball team eyed their second win of the season when they headed to Governors State on Monday. It was the Jaguars who led start to finish, however, as the Mustangs dropped a 78-67 decision in their final non-conference matchup of the 2020-21 campaign.

It was the first victory of the season for Governors State, which improved to 1-8. The Mustangs lost their fourth game in a row and will take an overall record of 1-7 and 1-6 mark in conference play into Wednesday's Heart of America Athletic Conference contest against Graceland (2-8, 1-6 Heart) at 5:30 p.m. at Hennessey Recreation Center.

Governors State outscored Mount Mercy in each quarter except the third. And although the Mustangs tallied a season-high nine blocked shots and eight steals, an 0-for-12 performance beyond the arc and a 53-30 rebounding advantage for the Jaguars proved fatal.

Sammy Mia (SO/Cedar Rapids, Iowa) was 7-of-9 from the floor and led the Mustangs with 18 points. Kyla Richardson (JR/Maywood, Ill.) joined her in double figures with 10 points while Sarah Moffett (SR/Mount Pleasant, Iowa) added eight. Cristian Patron (JR/North Ridge, Calif.) had a team-best nine rebounds and six blocks. Mia and Margie Villaruz (JR/Zion, Ill.) each had three assists.

Amber Brooks had a dominant night, totaling 29 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. Sharnita Breeze chipped in 15 points and five boards, Jalyn Foland 11 points and eight rebounds. Kaitlin Adams finished with a game-high six assists.