Mustangs win foul-plagued showdown with Penn

OSKALOOSA, Iowa -- The Mount Mercy men's basketball team marched to the free throw line 51 times, knocked down 43 of them, and reached the century mark for the second time in three games in a 108-92 win over William Penn in a Midwest Collegiate Conference clash on Saturday at Penn Gymnasium.

The two teams were fairly even statistically, except for their performances at the free throw line. A total of 61 fouls were called in the game, including 35 on William Penn. That led to a 20-point advantage at the charity stripe for Mount Mercy. While the Mustangs shot 84 percent from the line, the Statesmen struggled to shoot 56 percent. Both teams committed 19 turnovers, and Mount Mercy outrebounded William Penn, 45-43.

Chad Underwood was nearly perfect in a 31-point effort. It was a career-high for the sophomore forward, and it included a 12-of-14 display from the field and a 6-of-6 showing at the free throw line. Senior guard James Henderson scored 10 of his 23 points from the foul line, and added five assists and four steals.

Junior guard LeTerrious Thomas hit 11-of-12 free throws, scored 23 points, grabbed a game-high nine rebounds, and dealt four assists for the Mustangs (8-4, 2-0 MCC). Junior forward Sam Kenyi only took one shot on Saturday, but he made it, and also knocked down all 11 of his free throw attempts during a 13-point performance. Senior forward Josh Watznauer hauled down eight rebounds and blocked three shots.

Blake Walker and Ryan Wilson scored 22 points each for the Statesmen (9-5, 1-1 MCC). Wiebe Goodyk and Alan Douglas joined them in double figures with 19 and 12 points, respectively. Goodyk also snared a team-high eight rebounds, while Douglas had a game-high seven assists.

Following finals week, Mount Mercy will take a three-game winning streak to Dubuque for an MCC battle with Clarke on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 3:00 p.m. at the Kehl Center.