Metro Sports Report

Strong has dream job with Mustangs

Antwain Strong appears to be the happiest guy on the floor for the Mount Mercy men's basketball team, always smiling and laughing and occasionally talking to fans in the stands.

He's got a lot to be happy about.

Strong is an extremely talented point guard who is surrounded by terrific 3-point shooters. In fact, the Mustangs lead the nation in 3-point shooting and Strong ranks fifth in the NAIA in assists.

They did nothing to hurt those numbers Tuesday night.

Mount Mercy popped in 20 pointers - the second-most in school history - and posted a 102-85 victory over Viterbo in a non-conference game at the Hennessey Recreation Center.

The Mustangs set the school record for most 3-pointers in a single game when they tossed in 22 triples in a 107-84 victory at Viterbo in the season opener on Nov. 1.

No wonder Strong is always smiling. He loves being the point guard on a team with great marksmen.

McKinney is new man for Mustangs

Dennis McKinney has undergone an incredible transformation for the Mount Mercy Mustangs this season.

Last year as a red-shirt freshman, he averaged 5.3 points as a reserve and attempted only one 3-pointer all season. "He shot one," cracked Coach Aaron Jennings, "and it was a mistake."

This year, McKinney is averaging a healthy 18.3 points as a key member of the starting lineup and has hit 29 triples in 12 games for the most prolific 3-point shooting team in NAIA basketball.

In high school in Chicago, he was a 6-foot-4 center who played with his back to the basket and was known for his offensive rebounds and tendency to commit too many fouls.

In college in Cedar Rapids, he roams all over the court and is capable of scoring from every spot on the floor, with strong moves near the basket and a soft touch on the perimeter.

McKinney scored 21 points and hit a key 3-pointer Monday to help the Mustangs hold off Waldorf, 82-76, in a non-conference game at the Hennessey Recreation Center.

"He has put in a tremendous amount of work. He loves the game of basketball," said Jennings, who has enjoyed watching McKinney become one of the top players in the Heart of America Conference.

No. 11 Eagles win Lady Bobcat Classic

MILWAUKEE - The Kirkwood women's basketball team cruised to an 85-56 victory over Joliet Junior College Saturday in the championship game of the Lady Bobcat Classic.

The 11th-ranked Eagles (9-4) trailed 18-17 after the first quarter, but they smoked Joliet 26-9 in the second period to take a commanding 43-27 lead at halftime.

Ashley Tull finished with a double-double for Kirkwood with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Ju Gaston collected 15 points, six assists and five rebounds.

Anasha Hurst and Paige Bradford scored 13 points. Haley Mullinnix grabbed 10 rebounds. Mackenzie Jenkins had eight points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks.

No. 3 KCC men earn holiday

The Kirkwood men's basketball team will have three weeks to enjoy what they've accomplished so far this season before they play another basketball game.

Happy holidays, Eagles.

The third-ranked Eagles spanked John Wood, 86-70, in a non-conference game at Johnson Hall Saturday to head into the holiday break with an 11-2 overall record.

Kirkwood will not play again until Jan. 5 and will not practice again for two weeks. Coach Bryan Petersen thinks his guys have earned a respite from the physical and mental grind of a long season.

"I think we've learned a lot about our team this first semester," he said. "There are some good things, but we also know our weaknesses.

"The 11-and-2 record is great, (but) a 2-and-0 record in league play is the most important thing right now."