(Peru, Neb.) – On Wednesday, Dec. 1, the Peru State Men's Basketball team couldn't overcome a hot first half from the Mustangs being outscored 53-39. The 'Cats lost 90-85 to Heart of America Athletic Conference foe Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
 
Mount Mercy improved to 5-3 overall and 1-1 in the Heart while the Bobcats fell to 5-7 overall and 1-2 in conference play.
 
1^st Half
 
The Mustangs went on a 10-0 to start the game before Jibril Harris (Chicago, Ill.) made a field goal to stop the run as the 'Cats trailed 10-2 with 16:23 on the clock.
 
At the 12:36 mark, Peru State scored a two-pointer from Troy Houghton (Omaha) off the pass from Dedoch Chan (Rochester, Minn.) as Mount Mercy led 22-9.
 
After 20 minutes of basketball was played the Bobcats had a tough hill to climb as they trailed 53-39.
 
2^nd Half
 
Peru State made a two pointer from Henry Tanksley (Lincoln) off the assist from Chan to get the half started off in the right direction.
 
At the 14:34 mark, the 'Cats cut the Mustangs lead to 11 off a Harris made field goal with the score at 63-52.
 
Peru State would go on a 12-6 run to get within five points of Mount Mercy with 10:11 remaining in the game.
 
Man Man Baker (Auroa, Colo.) would make a bucket with 1:32 remaining as the Mustangs led 86-82. Chan would score with 22 seconds remaining to get the Bobcats within one possession at 87-84.
 
Peru State would be unable to complete the comeback as they fell 90-85 in the conference road game.
 
Stats
 
The Bobcats shot 34-65 for 52.3% which included 4-22 from three for 18.2%. At the free throw line, Peru State would make 13-22 for 59.1%.
 
Peru State was led by Chan who had a season-high 32 points on 15-16 shooting off the bench. Tanksley added 15 while Harris and Houghton both had 14 points respectfully.
 
Chan finished with 12 rebounds which gave him a double-double in the game. Houghton added nine rebounds while Harris added six and Baker added five.
 
Baker led the team with four assists while Houghton added three.
 
Houghton had three steals which led the team while Tanksley, Harris, and Baker each had one steal in the game.
 
Houghton and Harris each had two blocks in the game.
 
Upcoming game
 
Peru State will be back in the Al Wheeler Activity Center Saturday, Dec. 4, against Graceland University (3-6, 0-1). Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.
 
The Peru Association of Student Athletes (PASA) will be doing a toy and food drive for the game. Three food items will get one free entry to the game while one toy will get one free entry into the game.