Mustangs upset 20th-ranked Vikings in league opener

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Balance at the offensive end and a huge rebounding advantage keyed Mount Mercy's 78-62 victory over 20th-ranked Grand View in a Midwest Collegiate Conference men's basketball opener on Wednesday at Hennessey Recreation Center.

Grand View ended the first half with a 10-0 run to take a 35-32 lead at intermission, then enjoyed their largest lead at 44-38 on a Josh Henry layup with 16:25 to go in the second period. From there it was all Mustangs, however. Mount Mercy took the lead for good on senior guard James Henderson's layup with 13:52 remaining and led by as many as 18 in the final minutes.

The Mustangs shot 58 percent from the floor over the final 20 minutes, while the Vikings struggled to shoot 22 percent from the field in the second half. Mount Mercy also had five players with at least six rebounds, leading them to a 52-29 advantage on the glass. Strong rebounding also helped the Mustangs overcome 23 turnovers.

Sophomore forward Chad Underwood scored 16 points to lead the Mustangs (7-4, 1-0 MCC). Junior guard LeTerrious Thomas added 15 points and senior forward Josh Watznauer 10. Junior forward Sam Kenyi grabbed a game-high nine rebounds. Watznauer, Henderson, senior forward Marty Tope, and sophomore guard Jordan Ask had six boards apiece. Henderson, Watznauer, and sophomore guard Sid Beck each dealt four assists.

Henry's 18 points led all scorers for the Vikings (8-2, 0-1 MCC). Jamal LaBranch and Nick Wagner had 11 points apiece, while Kevin Smith chipped in nine. LaBranch also collected six rebounds, and Allen Clark dished out three assists.

League play continues this weekend for the Mustangs, who travel to Oskaloosa to take on William Penn on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at Penn Gym.