DUBUQUE - The Mount Mercy men's basketball team edged Simpson, 78-74, Tuesday in the first round of the Jon Davison Classic in Dubuque.

The Mustangs were clinging to a 76-74 lead with five seconds left when Tre Wagner stepped to the foul line for Mount Mercy. Wagner made two foul shots to give the Mustangs a four-point lead and clinch the victory.

Wagner and Mychael Brawner scored 17 points apiece for Mount Mercy (10-4). Alex Houston added 15 points and CJ Parker netted 12.

Sam Amsbaugh tossed in 24 points for Simpson (6-4).

Mount Mercy will face the University of Dubuque Spartans at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

MOUNT MERCY (78): Houston 4 7-10 15, Wagner 4 9-10 17, Ford 2 2-4 7, Parker 4 0-0 12, Bedford 1 0-0 3, Strong 0 0-0 0, Murdock 0 0-0 0, Brawner 7 0-0 17, Koeppel 0 0-0 0, Lamaak 1 1-1 3, Struss 2 0-2 4, Gogg 0 0-4 0. Totals 25 19-31 78.

SIMPSON (74): Olson 3 0-1 6, Turner 4 3-4 14, Gretzky 2 1-3 5, Dafney 3 0-0 6, Skaar 1 0-0 3, Rajewski 1 0-0 3, Thompson 1 1-1 3, Good 1 0-0 2, Smith 2 3-4 8, Amsbaugh 7 10-12 24, Montgomery 0 0-0 0, Singleton 0 0-0 0. Totals 25 18-25 74.

Halftime - Mount Mercy 29, Simpson 28. 3-point goals - Mount Mercy 9 (Parker 4, Brawner 3, Ford 1, Bedford 1), Simpson 6 (Turner 3, Skaar 1, Rajewski 1, Smith 1).