Lions cool off Mustangs

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- For most of the season, Mount Mercy's strength has been solid shooting from the free throw line and 3-point range. On Thursday, the Mustangs struggled in both areas, and dropped a 77-67 decision to Florida Memorial on the final day of the Northwood (Fla.) Classic.

Mount Mercy trailed, 36-24, at intermission, thanks to 11 turnovers and 26 percent shooting from the floor. That included a 2-for-14 showing from beyond the arc. The Mustangs picked it up from 3-point range after the break, hitting 7-of-16 from downtown, but were only 10-of-20 at the foul line over the final 20 minutes. They hit 9-of-30 treys in the game, and were just 16-of-29 from the charity stripe.

Mount Mercy (6-7) was able to climb back into the game late after trailing by as many as 16 points with just over five minutes play. The Mustangs got within four on senior guard Kadie Carman's 3-pointer with 2:28 remaining, but the Lions responded with eight straight points to clinch the win.

Junior guard Ashley Koch followed up a 21-point game yesterday with a team-high 18 points on Thursday. She also had four rebounds and a game-high six assists. Junior guard Emily Greiner was the only other Mustang in double figures, adding 16 points. Sophomore guard Lindsey Reis and freshman forward Amanda Frost had seven points apiece.

Sudanne Stewart erupted for a game-high 28 points, and Daniella Howard pulled down 22 rebounds to lead the Lions (4-6). Howard, Ashlee Villard, and Shardrecka Collins chipped in eight points each.

Mount Mercy is off until the Mustang Holiday Classic, hosted by Morningside, Dec. 29-30 at the Rosen Verdoorn Sports Center in Sioux City. The Mustangs take on third-ranked Morningside on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at 5:30 p.m., then face Briar Cliff on Thursday, Dec. 30, at 1:00 p.m. Morningside held off Mount Mercy, 80-68, on Nov. 10 in Cedar Rapids.