Late three-pointer lifts Mount mercy past Clarke

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Bailey Basala got a contested three-pointer to drop with two seconds remaining Thursday night, giving Mount Mercy an 87-85 victory over Clarke.

The Mustangs (8-5, 3-2 Heart) led by 12 with 6:36 left, but senior guard Jordan Lake (SR/Peosta, Iowa) scored on two layups and converted on three free throws to spur the Pride's comeback. Lake's final free throw with eight seconds to go in regulation gave Clarke an 85-84 advantage, but that was enough time for Mount Mercy to knock down the game-winning shot.

The Mustangs drove the length of the court, then passed it around until eventually finding Basala for the contested winning basket. Lake took the ensuing inbound to halfcourt and threw up a heave that missed the mark.

The Pride (6-7, 2-3) were led in scoring by center Jacob Fierst (JR/West Allis, Wis.), who recorded 22 points and eight rebounds. Senior guard Keith Johnson (SR/Dubuque, Iowa) poured in 19 points and eight rebounds, while Lake finished with 16 points and seven assists.

RoyShawn Webb recorded a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Mustangs. Also scoring in double-digits for Mount Mercy was Tyler Kelley (19), Brandon Jackson (12), and Basala (11).

The matchup between the two Heart of America foes boiled down to a game of runs.

Mount Mercy embarked on one midway through the first half, building a 10-point lead with 5:23 to play. Clarke countered with the next one, a 10-0 spurt that tied the game up with just over two minutes to play in the half. A Riley Rankey three-pointer gave the Mustangs a 39-36 lead heading into the break.

Mount Mercy built on to its halftime lead by outscoring the Pride 15-9 over the first five minutes of the second half to lead it by seven. Back-and-forth play saw the Pride draw the game within four (63-59) with about 10 minutes to play, but the combination of Kelley, Webb, and Jackson would give the Mustangs a 13-point advantage, their largest of the game, with 7:18 to play.

The Pride battled their way back into things before Mount Mercy secured the victory with Basala's shot.

Up next, Clarke will be off from competition for two weeks before hosting Bethel University on Dec. 31. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.