OSKALOOSA, Iowa – The Harris-Stowe State University men's basketball team was back in action this evening when they traveled to Oskaloosa, Iowa, to compete in the William Penn University Classic against Mount Mercy (Iowa) University. The Hornets, who are coming off their third AMC Men's Basketball Championship in four seasons, were defeated by the Mustangs by a final score of 108-101 to fall to 0-1 on the season. With the win, Mount Mercy improve to 1-1.

Harris-Stowe picked up right where they left off last season as they came out and took an early 15-7 lead in the first five minutes of the game. The Mustangs settled in as the half progressed and were able to tie the score at 31 midway through the period. The Hornets responded by going on a 17-7 run over the next few minutes of the game to take a 48-38 lead late in the half. The Mustangs battled back in the final minutes of the period and were able to cut the Hornets lead to 54-50 at the break.

In the second half of the game, both sides came out and exchanged baskets early in the period. The Hornets struggled to take care of the ball and the Mustangs were able to take advantage as they took their first lead of the half with just over 14 minutes to play in the game. Mount Mercy continued to play well over the next few minutes and were able to extend their lead to as many as 11 midway through the half. The Hornets did their best to get back into the game and were able to cut the lead to two but that was as close as they would get as the Mustangs closed them out down the stretch to solidify the win.

Harris-Stowe shot the ball well in this one as they went 42-for-86 (48.84%) from the field and 13-for-37 (35.14%) from behind the arc. They were outrebounded 48-39 and recorded 22 assists.

Deshawn Munson (SR/East St. Louis, Ill.), the reigning AMC Player of the Year, was back at it again tonight as he finished with a game high 33 points, a game high 16 rebounds, and a game high eight assists. In  addition to Munson, Nick McKenzie (SR/Chicago, Ill.) finished with a career high 23 points, Elmelik Martin Jr. (SR/Detroit, Mich.) finished with a career high 20 points, and Wesley Anderson Jr. (SR/Jonesboro, Ark.) finished with a career high 15 points to round out the top performers for the Hornets.

The Hornets will return to the court tomorrow, November 8^th, when they continue play in the William Penn University Classic. They will take on the hosts, and fourth ranked, William Penn (Iowa) University at 2 p.m. Visiting team fans will not be allowed at the game but live stats and video will be provided.