WPU Ends Year at Hands of #13 Mount Mercy

William Penn University Athletics

William Penn University Athletics

Cedar Rapids–The Statesmen men’s basketball team overcame so much this season, but could not pull one more rabbit out of its proverbial hat in a 93-76 loss to top-seeded Mount Mercy in the Midwest Collegiate Conference Finals Sunday.

#3 seed William Penn, which ended its season at 20-12, came up short in trying to return to nationals for the fourth year in a row. WPU was also seeking to avenge two regular-season losses to the Mustangs (26-4).

The opening minutes appeared promising for the visitors as they scored first and actually led by as much as four twice, including at 9-5 just 2:51 into play.

Unfortunately, as it did all night, Mount Mercy had an answer, reeling off a 14-2 run to lead 19-11; the home team never trailed again. The navy and gold narrowed the deficit to four, but the #1 seed finished the half strong to be up 49-37 after 20 minutes.

Oliver Wells (Sr., Cedar Hill, Texas, Business Management) ran into foul trouble right away and was not a factor in the first half, but he made his mark out of the locker room with a stunning start to the latter period. The senior scored the initial eight points for the Statesmen as they climbed back within four points again.

WPU was unable to get past that four-point margin, however, as the home squad bounced back to go up by 14 points at 69-55. With plenty of time still on the clock, the Statesmen ever so slowly chipped away and eventually trimmed the deficit to six at 76-70 with 4:23 remaining.

Still behind by only seven with 3:57 left, William Penn’s chances faded away with back-to-back turnovers and the Mustangs took advantage to turn a relatively tight contest into an unfortunate runaway. WPU was outshot 45.7%-42.1%, but was really hurt in ball possession as 17 turnovers (15 for MMU) were converted into 19 Mustang points (just nine for the visitors).

Alec Schwab (Sr., Peru, Ill., Business Management) paced all players with 26 points, including five three-pointers. The senior also stole three passes.

Wells finished with 16 points and three assists, while Sam Sykes (Jr., Houston, Texas, Business Management) also eclipsed double digits with 11 on 4-for-5 shooting.

Jake Guenther (Jr., Altoona, Iowa, Secondary Education) tallied eight points as well.

An injured Shane Bosek (Jr., Lowry, Minn., Physical Education) tried to make a go of it, but unfortunately nowhere near full strength, he was scoreless (one shot attempt) in only five minutes on the hardwood.

“Not having Shane hurt us bad tonight,” Head Coach John Henry said. “He tried to play, but he just was not well enough. Our trainer Chad Derby and Shane worked round the clock for three day and their efforts are greatly appreciated.”

Erik McGee (Sr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Elementary Education) tallied five points along with a game-high 13 rebounds, but his efforts still left the Statesmen on the bottom side of a 44-42 tally. Mike Aldeman (Iowa City, Iowa, Education) also performed admirably in Wells’ stead, scoring four points with two thefts off the bench.

The loss ends the careers of seniors Aldeman, Logan Alexander (Eddyville, Iowa, Physical Education), McGee, Jamere Murphy (Detroit, Mich., Physical Education), Schwab, and Wells.

“We are sad and disappointed with tonight’s outcome, but these players overcame so much adversity; they are the true meaning of team,” Henry said. “I want to thank all of the players and their families for adding yet another great chapter to the William Penn men’s basketball tradition.”

Posted by on Mar 2 2015. Filed under College Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

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