[Men's Basketball] Saints shoot down Mustangs

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- A huge free throw advantage and domination on the glass led to Mount Mercy's downfall on Wednesday night as Ashford defeated the 16th-ranked Mustangs, 70-50, in a Midwest Collegiate Conference men's basketball game at Hennessey Recreation Center.

Mount Mercy's cold shooting in the first half resulted in a 14-point deficit at the break. Meanwhile, the Saints (11-5, 3-1 MCC) hit half of their shots in the opening period, then connected on 61.1 percent of their field goal attempts in the second half to break the game open.  They shot 55 percent overall, outrebounded the Mustangs, 38-24, and outscored Mount Mercy, 19-6, at the free throw line.

The Mustangs (11-4, 2-2 MCC) were held to their lowest point total of the season and failed to score at least 60 points for the first time in 18 games. Junior forward Troy Peter, in his first action of the season, was Mount Mercy's leading scorer with 12 points. He also had a team-high four rebounds. Junior forward Chad Underwood added 11 points and three blocked shots.

Javier Valdez had 16 points to lead four Saints in double figures. Jonathan Wyatt knocked down four 3-pointers and scored 15 points. Matthias Burns added 15 points and eight rebounds, Peter Tanzillo 12 points and eight boards.

Mount Mercy plays the first of three straight road games on Saturday, traveling to Hanson Fieldhouse in Forest City to face Waldorf on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.