Mustangs get back in W column with comeback win

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - A pivotal fourth quarter proved to be the difference maker for the Mount Mercy women's basketball team as they defeated Peru State (Neb.) 67-61 in comeback fashion Wednesday night inside Hennessey Rec. Center. 

Back-to-back layups from Madison Dreckman and Sammy Mia gave the Mustangs a quick 4-0 lead, but that's all it was as the Bobcats tied it and took the momentum with them. Six first quarter turnovers and 0-for-4 from behind the arc, saw Mount Mercy down 17-12 after ten minutes of play. The Mustangs played from behind for the remainder of the game. Eight of their 14 second quarter points came off the bench thanks to two 3-pointers from Sadie Struchen and a jumper from Cristian Patron, but Mount Mercy faced a 35-26 deficit heading into halftime.

The Mustangs continued to slowly crawl back into the game, outscoring the Bobcats 19-17 in the third quarter as Marissa Brantley drained both of her three's to give Mount Mercy a boost.

Still down seven with 10 minutes to play, the Mustangs ended the game on a tear, holding Peru State (4-6, 0-4 Heart) to just nine fourth quarter points. Mount Mercy took their first lead since the first quarter after an offensive rebound, put-back layup from Deja Antoine with 5:05 to play. From there, the two teams traded points with Dreckman scoring six straight to keep the game leveled at 61-61. Out of a timeout, Mia connected on an and-one, making the clutch free throw for the 64-61 advantage. Consecutive Bobcat turnovers allowed Mount Mercy to tack on insurance points from the free throw line to secure the come-from-behind win. 

Mia lead all players with 20 points. Dreckman scored nine of her 15 points in the fourth quarter. Patron was huge off the bench, finishing with 10 points, five rebounds, and four blocks.

Mount Mercy (6-3, 2-2 Heart) hits the road on Saturday, Dec. 10 as they take on Evangel (Mo.) (3-6, 2-2 Heart) in Springfield, Mo. Tipoff is scheduled for noon at the Ashcroft Center.