Baker Shines with Season-High 23 Points in Loss Against Pride

DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Mount Mercy Mustangs (9-13, 5-10) were edged out by Clarke University (12-11, 8-7), 69-63, as the Pride surged with a 17-point fourth quarter. Despite the loss, Mount Mercy's 13 three-pointers on 27 attempts highlighted a strong offensive effort.

The Mustangs came out strong in the first quarter, with Candace Baker and Aubrey Luvan each hitting crucial 3-pointers to spark the offense. Baker put on a show with a season-high 23 points, displaying her scoring prowess early. Sam Kiel and Sydni Morris were pivotal on defense, each grabbing two steals as Mount Mercy capitalized on Clarke's turnovers. A pair of 3-pointers from Sadie Struchen near the two-minute mark fueled a run that pushed the Mustangs' lead to eight points.

Defensively, Mount Mercy limited Clarke to 4-for-17 shooting, shutting down opportunities in the paint and securing key rebounds. Despite an early 6-6 tie, the Mustangs ended the quarter on top, 18-12.

In the second quarter, Mount Mercy's defense shined with three blocks and three steals, disrupting Clarke's rhythm. Struchen nailed a crucial 3-pointer, assisted by Jocelyn Ramos-Chears, to extend the lead. Clarke, however, fought back with a series of layups to stay close.

Even with some turnovers, the Mustangs kept their composure. Luvan and Baker both sank vital 3-pointers to reclaim the lead. Free throws by Baker and Ramos-Chears in the final minutes ensured Mount Mercy held a slim 33-32 lead at halftime.

The third quarter saw an early boost with a layup from Morris and a Struchen 3-pointer at 8:38, prompting a Clarke timeout. Despite solid defense, including a block by Struchen, Clarke chipped away with free throws and a layup to narrow the gap.

Luvan delivered important baskets, including a pivotal layup at 7:02, maintaining the advantage. Clarke's tenacity tied the game at 45 with 2:26 left. Baker's 3-pointer briefly reclaimed the lead, but Clarke answered with a 3-pointer and layup, pulling ahead 52-48 by the end of the quarter.

The fourth quarter started with missed chances for Mount Mercy, but momentum returned with a layup from Baker at 7:42 and a Kiel three-pointer at 5:56. Clarke held onto their lead, bolstered by Zoe Kennedy's early free throws.

Struchen's three-pointer at 2:23 and a layup by Morris at 0:52 tightened the score. However, Clarke's Camdyn Kay extended their lead with a late three-pointer, sealing the 69-63 victory.

Baker led Mount Mercy with 23 points and eight rebounds, hitting five of seven from deep. Struchen added 15 points, making five of 10 from beyond the arc. Luvan contributed 10 points and three assists. Kiel impacted both ends with seven points and four steals.

For Clarke, Hailey Walters delivered 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Kay impressed with 17 points and four steals. Kennedy led all scorers with 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Reese Ryan was a defensive force with 10 rebounds and two blocks.

The Mustangs now stand at 9-13 overall and 5-10 in conference play, while the Pride improved to 12-11 overall and 8-7 in conference. Mount Mercy next faces Central Methodist on Saturday, Feb. 7, with a noon tip-off in Fayette, Missouri.