Statesmen Snap Skid with Gritty Win Over Mount Mercy

Cedar Rapids--The Statesmen ended a four-game losing streak with a hard-fought 81-74 victory over Heart of America Athletic Conference competitor Mount Mercy Wednesday night.

William Penn (9-7, 6-6 Heart) overcame an early 7-1 deficit, rallying to tie the game at 8-8. The teams traded baskets throughout much of the first half in a back-and-forth battle. With just under five minutes remaining, the Statesmen gained momentum with a 9-2 run. Mount Mercy responded with an 8-6 spurt to cut into the advantage, but WPU closed the half with a 38-31 edge.

Manny Hammonds (So., Des Moines, Iowa, New Media) led the charge before the break, contributing nine points. LeQuan Washington (Jr., Chicago, Ill.) and Jacore Williams (Jr., Little Rock, Ark., Business Management) each tallied seven points to bolster the Statesmen attack.

The momentum continued into the second half as WPU opened the period with seven unanswered points to push the lead to 45-31. Mount Mercy chipped away at the deficit, however, and eventually surged ahead with an 18-6 run, taking a 63-62 lead with less than six minutes remaining. The Mustangs extended their advantage to 70-66, but William Penn answered with a decisive 11-0 run to reclaim control at 77-70 with 1:19 left on the clock. The Statesmen stayed poised in the final minute and claimed the victory.

Washington led the offense with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Williams added 15 points and eight boards. Isaac Hoberecht (Jr., Carl Junction, Mo., Business Management) also delivered a strong performance with 14 points.

Statistically, the teams were evenly matched, with WPU shooting 48.2% from the field compared to MMU's 47.0%. The Statesmen excelled from beyond the arc, converting 43.8% of their attempts while the Mustangs managed just 26.7%. Both squads struggled at the free throw line, with William Penn hitting 55.6% and Mount Mercy making 40.0%.

On the boards, the Statesmen narrowly outrebounded the Mustangs 40-39, including grabbing nine offensive boards, which they turned into four second-chance points. Turnovers were an issue for both teams, with William Penn committing 16, which led to 16 Mustang points. However, the Statesmen forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 13 points.
 
"We didn't play well tonight, and at first I was irritated after the game," said Head Coach John Henry. "But with a quick reflection—hey man, we won! By 1 or 100, it doesn't matter."

Up Next: William Penn returns home to face Park in Heart action Saturday at 4 p.m. in Penn Gymnasium.