[Men's Basketball] Mustang turnaround continues

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- After a three-game losing streak that included a pair of league losses, the Mount Mercy men's basketball team has won four straight to move back within a game of first place in the Midwest Collegiate Conference.

Junior forwards Chad Underwood and Alex Coleman and senior forward Sam Kenyi combined for 56 points and 26 rebounds in Saturday's 70-54 victory over Viterbo (Wis.) at Hennessey Recreation Center. The Mustangs (15-5, 6-3 MCC) are in a three-way tie for second place in the MCC with 24th-ranked Ashford (14-7, 6-3 MCC) and William Penn (11-10, 6-3 MCC), one game back of St. Ambrose (13-8, 7-2 MCC).

Underwood poured in a game-high 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Mustangs. Kenyi tallied 19 points and seven boards, while Coleman recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Junior guard Markus Cocroft contributed a game-high six assists and a pair of steals.

Jordan Laufenberg led three V-Hawks in double digits with 13 points. Izac Sheforgen and Cole Lewis chipped in 10 points apiece. Matt Turba added nine points and four assists, while Sheforgen and Alex Brooks each snared five rebounds.

Mount Mercy wraps up a three-game homestand against Grand View on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Hennessey Rec Center. The Vikings (10-7, 4-5 MCC) defeated the Mustangs, 87-80, on Dec. 3 in Des Moines.