WPU Falters Late in Overtime Loss to #18 MMU
The Statesmen had an upset victory slip through their fingers Saturday against Mount Mercy. Alec Schwab led all players with 29 points.
Oskaloosa–The Statesmen men’s basketball team was in charge for much of Saturday’s Midwest Collegiate Conference game against #18 Mount Mercy, but failed to shut the door in a disappointing 91-86 overtime loss.
A 35-26 halftime edge was doubled with 12:30 still left in regulation as William Penn (12-7, 1-2 MCC) was looking to knock off the league’s top squad.
Unfortunately, Mount Mercy (15-3, 3-0 MCC) slowed down the navy and gold, but the margin was still six with 1:55 to go. The final ticks belonged to the visitors, however, as Shane Bosek (Jr., Lowry, Minn., Physical Education) was the lone bright spot with two free throws at the 51-second mark. He also came up with a block with nine seconds remaining and MMU was unable to break the 75-75 tie as overtime ensued.
In a game that featured 61 total whistles, Erik McGee (Sr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Elementary Education) fouled out late in regulation and Bosek joined him on the bench early in the extra period. With its arsenal depleted, WPU could not keep pace as it was outscored 16-11 in overtime.
For the game, the hosts were outshot 40.0%-39.4%, but really struggled behind the arc (19.4%). The Statesmen also came up shorter at the charity stripe with a 30-23 deficit in made attempts. Despite committing six more turnovers (22-16), William Penn actually outscored Mount Mercy 19-18 in points off turnovers.
Alec Schwab (Sr., Peru, Ill., Business Management) led all players with 29 points (also had two steals), while Oliver Wells (Sr., Cedar Hill, Texas, Business Management) managed a double-double with 20 points and 13 assists. Bosek was in double digits as well with 14 points in only 23 minutes of play.
Nick Jeffries (Fr., Altoona, Iowa, Physical Education) tallied eight points and Mike Aldeman (Sr., Iowa City, Iowa, Education) contributed six. McGee hauled in nine rebounds as part of a 51-42 margin on the glass (13-11 in second-chance points).
“We unfortunately melted down late in the game,” Head Coach John Henry said. “Our turnovers killed us. This hurts because this group of kids works so hard. I love this team and we will press on!”
Next Up: William Penn travels to Des Moines Wednesday to face AIB in MCC play at 7:30 p.m.
