Free throws help Mustangs extend winning streak

LAMONI, Iowa -- The Mount Mercy women's basketball team scored a third of their points from the free throw line and cruised to their sixth straight win, 91-74, over Graceland in Wednesday's league matchup at the Morden Center.

At 14-7 overall and 12-6 in conference play, the Mustangs already have their highest win total since the 2015-16 season when they finished 16-14. That was also the last time Mount Mercy had a six-game winning streak and it was one year before they became a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

The Mustangs had three players each attempt 10 free throws on Wednesdays as the team finished 30-of-39 at the foul line. Karlie Krogman converted 8-of-10 free throws while scoring 16 points off the bench. Annika Headington also went 8-of-10 and finished with 12 points, a game-high 10 rebounds, and four assists.

Malie Marfil knocked down 7-of-10 foul shots while totaling 13 points and five assists. Madison Dreckman led all scorers with 19 points to go along with seven rebounds. Sadie Struchen poured in 15 points in just nine minutes on 5-of-9 shooting from 3-point range.

Bryanna Griffiths scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead Graceland (9-13, 7-11 Heart), which defeated Mount Mercy by five in Cedar Rapids in December. Trinity Greenwood added 12 points and 11 boards while Avery Walker-Henry and Heaven Mbaruk tallied 11 points each.

The Mustangs travel to Parkville, Mo., on Saturday for a noon tip-off against Park at Breckon Sports Center.