Mustangs surrender lead late, fall to Ravens on the road

ATCHISON, Kan. - The Mount Mercy women's basketball team controlled their Heart of America Athletic Conference game against Benedictine (Kan.) for 33 of the 40 minutes. The Ravens spoiled the Mustangs hope of a season sweep in a 68-62 loss at Ralph Nolan Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon. 

Mount Mercy jumped out to a 21-15 first quarter lead in large part to sharing the basketball. Six different Mustangs scored in the opening period. Sammy Mia opened the second quarter with ten straight points and gave Mount Mercy a 31-21 lead with just three minutes until the half. The Ravens ended the second quarter on a 10-2 run, cutting the Mustangs lead to two, 33-31 at halftime. 

Madison Dreckman's 3-pointer just 15 seconds into the thrid, gave Mount Mercy some cushion, 36-31. Benedictine (8-16, 5-13 Heart) got within one 40-39, and again at 46-45 to end the third quarter. A Raven jumper at the 6:52 mark gave them their first lead of the game, 51-49. Benedictine extended their lead to seven, 57-50 and forced a Mount Mercy timeout. The Mustangs got within three, 65-62 after Dreckman's third trey with 33 seconds to play. Benedictine connected on one of two free throws, but an offensive rebound turned into a Raven jumper for the 68-62 win over the Mustangs. 

The two teams shot the ball identical, Mount Mercy finished at 41.7 percent and Benedictine at 41.2 percent. However, the Ravens outrebounded the Mustangs 48-34. Mia led all players with 22 points and Dreckman added 13. Annika Headington finished with eight points and nine rebounds. 

Mount Mercy is back at home on Wednesday, Feb. 8 for a Heart re-match as Culver-Stockton (Mo.) (15-9, 10-8 Heart) comes to town for a 5:30 pm start at Hennessey Rec. Center.