Women’s Basketball Secured Victory Over Mount Mercy in Overtime

Cedar Rapids, Iowa - The Graceland University Women's Basketball team took on the Mount Mercy University Mustangs. The Yellowjackets defeated the Mustangs, 75-70. Moving to 5-6 on the season and 3-4 in the Heart

Graceland (5-6; 3-4) | Mount Mercy (5-5; 3-4)
Quarter 1: Graceland 22 | Mount Mercy 20
The Mustangs would sink the first points for the game. The Yellowjackets would sink back-to-back baskets to create an advantage of four points: baskets by Avery Walker-Henry (three-pointer) and Alana Swift (layup). The Mustangs would work from behind and close the first quarter with a layup. The Yellowjackets would lead by two, 22-20.

Quarter 2: Graceland 15 | Mount Mercy 11
The Yellowjackets would push a 9-2 collection to add a six-point lead; Claudinae Hurt, Kymani Freeman, and Avery Walker-Henry would contribute. Mount Mercy would close the second quarter with a jumper to close their deficit to six points heading into the half; Graceland Leads 37-31.

Quarter 3: Graceland 12 | Mount Mercy 16
Alana Swift would open the third quarter by sinking a layup, and Trinity Greenwood would follow with a layup (41-31). The Mustangs would retaliate and tie with an eight-point run (41-41). Janiya Davis would break the run, sinking a three-pointer (44-41). Avery Walker-Henry and Kymani Freeman would post baskets to create space (49-43).

Quarter 4: Graceland 12 | Mount Mercy 14
Both teams continued to fight to take the lead. With four minutes remaining, Camry Dillie would sink a layup to even the score (57-57). Alana Swift and Dillie would push a four-point lead with 1:47 remaining on the clock (61-57). Mount Mercy would retaliate by posting two layups to even the score and sending the game into overtime (61-61).

Overtime: Graceland 14 | Mount Mercy 9
Heaven Mbaruk would open overtime by draining a jumper, and Janiyah Davis would follow from the line (64-61). The Mustangs would close the gap to one point (66-65) and would even win the game 68-68. With just over one minute remaining, Kymani Freeman would start a 7-2 collection; baskets from Alana Swift and Avery Walker0Henry would close the game from the line. Graceland would take the 75-70 overtime victory.

By the numbers:
30-28 – Graceland's field goals compared to Mount Mercy
6-4 – The Yellowjackets would hit one more two than the Mustangs
45-51 – Graceland's rebounds compared to Mount Mercy
14-6 – The Yellowjackets bench points compared to the Mustangs

Graceland Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Avery Walker-Henry – 23
Rebounding Leader: Alana Swift – 8
Assist Leader: Kymani Freeman – 5
Steal Leader: Alana Swift – 5

Mount Mercy Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Madison Dreckman – 23
Rebounding Leader: Madison Dreckman / Annika Headington – 11
Assist Leader: Anais Bonnemaison / Madison Dreckman / Annika Headington – 3
Steal Leader: Malie Marfil – 3

Up Next:
The Yellowjackets will be back on the court on Saturday, December 16 when they travel to take on the Park University Pirates. Tip-off is set for 12:00 pm.

-Yellowjackets-