Balanced Mustangs rip Roosevelt

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The Mount Mercy men's basketball team shot a season-high 62 percent from the floor and eight Mustangs scored at least eight points in a 109-84 victory over Roosevelt (Ill.) on Saturday at Hennessey Recreation Center.

Mount Mercy (6-4) went over the century mark for the first time this season, due in part to solid shooting from long range. The Mustangs, who led 57-31 at the half, nailed a season-best 12 3-pointers in 25 attempts, and finished with 29 assists on 41 made field goals.

Senior forward Max Stambaugh had a perfect shooting night off the bench for Mount Mercy, going 7-for-7 from the field and 3-for-3 from the free throw line while scoring a team-high 18 points. Junior guard LeTerrious Thomas added 17 points, sophomore forward Chad Underwood 13, junior forward Sam Kenyi 11, and sophomore guard Jordan Ask 10.

Senior guard James Henderson and junior guard David Campbell chipped in nine points apiece and senior forward Marty Tope tallied eight. Senior forward Josh Watznauer pulled down a team-high nine rebounds, while Underwood and Thomas grabbed six boards each to lead the Mustangs to a 40-33 advantage on the glass. Thomas and Henderson had five assists, Watznauer three blocked shots.

Paul Tometich scored a game-high 29 points for the Lakers (2-5). Rodney Metellus chipped in 13 points, Julian Sykes 10 points and nine rebounds.

Three straight conference games are coming up for the Mustangs, who open Midwest Collegiate Conference play against Grand View on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Hennessey Recreation Center. Mount Mercy travels to William Penn on Dec. 4 and Clarke on Dec. 11.