DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) – The Loras Men's Basketball team (2-1) fell to the Mustangs of Mount Mercy University (5-2) by a final score of 85-76 on Friday. Once again, sophomore Justin VanWambeke led the Duhawks in scoring with 21 points. Loras battled to keep the game competitive for the full 40 minutes. Despite cutting the Mount Mercy lead to just two points late in the second half, the Duhawks comeback effort fell short.

Loras jumped out to a sizeable 20-9 lead in the first half, taking advantage of multiple Mustang turnovers. This early lead seemed to be an indicator that both sides of the ball hadn't missed a beat despite the absence of key starters junior Justin Schneider and senior Nathaniel Smith. Justin VanWambeke carried his momentum from Tuesday's game into tonight making key drives to help the Duhawks retain their 11 point lead for as long as possible. VanWambeke displayed excellent court vision, slashing through Mustang defenders to score in a variety of ways.

With the Mustangs looking to mount a comeback, VanWambeke took control of the Loras offense using a behind the back dribble to find junior Mirko Grcic in the paint. Grcic would draw a foul on the play, hitting both free throws. His free throws helped retain Loras's lead with 6:33 remaining in the half. Following a Mustang turnover, VanWambeke would then sprint down court to earn the hoop and the harm. As VanWambeke converted on the ensuing free throw attempt, the Duhawks extended their lead to 31-19 and momentarily killed Mount Mercy's momentum.

The Mustangs would not stay down for long as they would end the first half on a 28 to 14 run, taking the lead in the process. With both teams heading into the locker room the score sat in favor of the Mustangs, 37-34.

Out of the break, the momentum shifted back in favor of the Duhawks. Seniors Aaron Schueller and Bobby Harmening each splashed home a shot from long range to take a 40-37 lead. Mount Mercy refused to back down, going on an eight to two run and taking a five point lead over the Duhawks with just over 15 minutes to play.  Now with a substantial lead, the Mustangs would never look back, controlling the game from then on out.

Loras would do everything they could to stay in the game, but it seemed that right as they had battled back, Mount Mercy would find an easy look on offense. The Duhawks would pull within two points with just over four minutes remaining, but a few forced shots allowed the Mustangs to finish off the win.

Game Changer
With 13:35 left to play, a three pointer by James Boonstoppel extended the Mustangs lead to nine points. The deficit proved to be too much for the Duhawks to overcome.
 
Key Stat
The Mustangs bench held a 33-5 scoring advantage over their Duhawk counterparts.
 
Notables

Quotable
Junior Forward Mirko Grcic
"To get ready for tomorrow's game against Principia we need to rest tonight. We have to come here tomorrow focused and ready to get after it for a full 40 minutes. With such a short turnaround the coaches are preparing us well for tomorrow's game. It all comes down to us executing the game plan that they've put in place."

Up Next
The Duhawks (2-1) will play host to the Principia College Panthers (1-1) on Saturday in the Athletic and Wellness Center. Principia is coming off of a 73-42 loss to the UW-Platteville Pioneers. The game will tip-off at 5 pm.