Mt. Mercy Women hold off Seahawks

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The Mount Mercy women's basketball team got 59 points from three starters and held off the host Seahawks, 84-79, in Tuesday's opener at the Northwood (Fla.) Classic.

The Mustangs reached the 80-point mark for the fifth time this season, thanks in part to continued hot shooting from the free throw line and 3-point range.

Mount Mercy ranks in the top 20 in the nation in 3-point field goals per game (8.3), 3-point field goal percentage (36.5%), and total 3-point field goals made (91). They're also 22nd in NAIA Division II in free throw percentage (73.4%).

The Mustangs led by 16 at halftime on Wednesday, then used a 26-8 run midway through the second period to turn a 52-50 lead into a 20-point advantage with 5:46 to go. Northwood didn't go away, though, and were within three, 82-79, with 19 second remaining.

Junior guard Emily Greiner, who has the third-highest free throw percentage in NAIA Division II women's basketball this season (92.5%), knocked down a pair of foul shots on Mount Mercy' next possession to clinch the win for the Mustangs.

Senior guard Kadie Carman hit five 3-pointers while pouring in a season-high 23 points to lead Mount Mercy scorers. Junior guard Ashley Koch also recorded a season high, scoring 21 points, while junior guard Micha Mims chipped in 15 points. Greiner finished with 12.

Mims, Greiner, and junior guard Becca Lampe grabbed four rebounds apiece. Carman had a team-high five assists and four of Mount Mercy's 13 steals. The Mustangs (6-6) were 12-of-21 from 3-point range and 24-of-30 at the free throw line against the Seahawks.

Sarah Pasetsky's 17 points led three Seahawks in double figures. Keishla Rivera scored 15 points, Erin Riley 14. Denis Derland led Northwood to a 44-27 rebounding edge, grabbing 12 boards to go with a game-high nine assists.

Mount Mercy faces Florida Memorial tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. Central time at Northwood University.