Mustangs salvage split at Judson Classic

ELGIN, Ill. -- Senior guard James Henderson scored 15 of his game-high 20 points in the second half to spark the Mount Mercy men's basketball team to an 80-63 win over Trinity International (Ill.) on the final day of the Judson (Ill.) Classic on Saturday at Lindner Fitness Center.

The Mustangs (4-2) trailed at halftime, 37-34, then shot nearly 57 percent from the field in the second half while outscoring the Trojans (2-3), 46-26. Mount Mercy shot an even 50 percent for the game, which helped offset a huge 53-37 rebounding advantage for Trinity International. The Trojans totaled 28 offensive rebounds, but turned the ball over 21 times and shot just 31 percent from the floor.

Henderson was joined in double digits by senior forward Marty Tope and sophomore forward Chad Underwood with 11 points each. Junior guard LeTerrious Thomas and junior forward Sam Kenyi added nine points apiece, and Thomas also grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.

Mount Mercy opened the tournament with a 99-88 loss to host Judson on Friday night. The NAIA 21st-ranked Eagles blistered the nets at a 57-percent clip, including a 14-of-21 performance from 3-point range, and outrebounded the Mustangs, 45-36.

Henderson was Mount Mercy's leading scorer on Friday as well, notching 19 points while dealing three assists. Senior forward Josh Watznauer had 16 points and nine rebounds, senior forward Max Stambaugh 14 points and six boards for the Mustangs, who were limited by 37 percent shooting against the Eagles.

Wartburg hosts the Buzz Levick Tournament next weekend in Waverly. Mount Mercy squares off with Maranatha Baptist on Friday at 6:00 p.m. Consolation and championship games are slated for Saturday at the Wartburg-Waverly Sports and Wellness Center.