[Women's Basketball] Second-half blitz carries Mustangs

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- After trailing by a point at the break, 11th-ranked Mount Mercy used a 51-point second half to beat William Penn, 82-71, in a Midwest Collegiate Conference women's basketball game on Wednesday at Hennessey Recreation Center.

The Mustangs (7-4, 2-0 MCC) shot less than 35 percent from the floor in the opening period while the Lady Statesmen (2-11, 0-2 MCC) knocked down almost 60 percent of their field goal attempts to take a 32-31 halftime lead. Things turned around for both teams after intermission as Mount Mercy warmed up and William Penn cooled off.

The Mustangs outscored the Lady Statesmen, 51-39, after the break thanks in part to 52 percent shooting over the final 20 minutes. William Penn shot 27 percent from the field in the second half, including a 4-of-13 performance from 3-point range. Both team shot it well from the free throw line, with Mount Mercy going 25-of-28 (89.3%) and the Lady Statesmen shooting 20-of-26 (76.9%).

Sophomore forward Amanda Frost led five Mustangs in double figures with 19 points to go along with three rebounds. Senior guard Laura Lippert added 18 points and three boards, senior guard Micha Mims 17 points and five rebounds. Senior guard Emily Greiner finished with 12 points, junior guard Brooke Quigley 10 points, nine boards and five assists.

William Penn had four player in double digits. Orielle Thomas posted a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Sarah Martin chipped in 14 points, Susan Smith 13 and Katie Golomski 11. Sam Abens finished with six points, six boards and three assists. Martin also contributed three assists for the Lady Statesmen.

Mount Mercy hosts Clarke in MCC action on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Hennessey.