Mustangs clamp down, rout Pirates

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- After holding a slim halftime lead, the Mount Mercy women's basketball team locked down on defense after the break, holding Park to just 16 points over the final two quarters en route to a 76-50 victory in a Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup Saturday afternoon at Hennessey Recreation Center.

That's four wins in five games for the Mustangs, who dropped a 99-74 decision at Central Methodist on Friday after a three-week hiatus. Mount Mercy matched their win total from last year, moving to 5-8 overall and 5-7 in the Heart. Park dropped their second-straight and fell to 3-16 overall and 2-16 in conference play.

Sammy Mia (SO/Cedar Rapids, Iowa) led three Mustangs in double figures with 17 points. Sarah Moffett (SR/Mount Pleasant, Iowa)'s double-double included 15 points and 12 rebounds to go with a team-best four assists. Cristian Patron (JR/North Ridge, Calif.) added 12 points, seven boards, and three blocks. Kyla Richardson (JR/Maywood, Ill.) chipped in eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a pair of steals.

Tatiana McCree topped the Pirates with 15 points while Cautia Wadood talled 13. Kiana Smith each grabbed seven rebounds but Park still faced a 56-31 deficit on the glass. Destiny Zamudio dished out three assists and Smith and Wadood each collected two steals.

Mount Mercy travels to Dubuque on Monday to face eighth-ranked Clarke at 6:00 p.m. at the Kehl Center.