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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Women’s Basketball Falls to Mount Mercy in Heart Matchup

Women’s Basketball Falls to Mount Mercy in Heart Matchup

Box Score
Game Leaders
Mount Mercy
Pts: Claudia Vanzant - 16
Reb: 2 Players (#23, #34) - 9
Ast: 2 Players (#21, #53) - 8
Graceland
Pts: Sariah Bradley - 14
Reb: Maxine Ampofo - 9
Ast: Kayloni Smolley - 6
Team Stats
Full stats

LAMONI, IA — allenging game to the Mount Mercy Mustangs, 93-66, in Heart of America Athletic Conference play Wednesday evening at the Morden Center. The loss moves Graceland to 2-7 overall and 0-5 in conference play, while Mount Mercy improves to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the Heart.

Mount Mercy's efficient offense and strong rebounding proved to be the difference in the contest. The Mustangs shot 55.1% from the field and out-rebounded Graceland 41-21, utilizing second-chance opportunities and transition plays to build their lead. Despite moments of offensive success, the Yellowjackets were unable to contain Mount Mercy's pace and three-point shooting, which saw the visitors convert 43.5% from beyond the arc.

First-Half Struggles Define the Game

Graceland trailed early, scoring just 24 points in the first half compared to Mount Mercy's 44. Offensive stagnation and missed opportunities led to a tough second quarter, where the Yellowjackets scored just 10 points on 27.8% shooting. Graceland's inability to execute consistently left them trailing by 20 points at halftime.

"We're still trying to find ourselves out there," said Graceland Head Coach Willie Scott. "We do a few good things at times and other times we struggle. We played a little better in the second half scoring the ball, but didn't get it done in transition defense. We gave up two uncontested shots and fast-break layups that we can't afford."

Second-Half Improvement

Graceland showed signs of life in the third quarter, scoring 23 points and shooting 52.9% from the field. Senior guard Sariah Bradley led the charge off the bench, contributing 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting for the game. Forward Kayloni Smolley added 14 points, while Maxine Ampofo recorded 12 points and 8 rebounds, delivering a strong presence in the paint.

Despite their second-half push, the Yellowjackets couldn't close the gap, as Mount Mercy continued to capitalize on turnovers and fast breaks. The Mustangs maintained their efficient shooting, including a game-high 66.7% from the floor in the final quarter, ensuring the game was out of reach.

Key Performers

  • Graceland Yellowjackets

  • Mount Mercy Mustangs

    • Claudia Vanzant: 18 points, 7 rebounds
    • Sadie Struchen: 12 points, 4-of-8 3PT FG
    • Sam Kiel: 13 points, 8 rebounds

Game Statistics

  • Field Goals: Mount Mercy 38-of-69 (55.1%), Graceland 25-of-59 (42.4%)
  • Three-Point Shooting: Mount Mercy 10-of-23 (43.5%), Graceland 3-of-16 (18.8%)
  • Rebounds: Mount Mercy 41, Graceland 21
  • Bench Points: Mount Mercy 34, Graceland 23

Mount Mercy forced six turnovers and converted them into 10 points. A few defensive lapses and inability to secure second-chance opportunities proved costly, as the Mustangs outscored them 8-2 in second-chance points.

The Yellowjackets will regroup as they prepare to face William Penn University in another Heart conference matchup on Saturday, December 7. Tip-off is scheduled for noon in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

For more information on the Graceland Women's Basketball team and Yellowjacket athletics, visit GUjackets.com.