LAMONI - The Mount Mercy Mustangs collected a precious road victory in the Heart of America Conference Thursday night with a tense 68-67 victory over Graceland in Lamoni.

Mount Mercy led by 14 points midway through the first half, but Graceland pulled within 68-67 on two free throws with just 10 seconds left in the contest.

The Mustangs committed a turnover with nine seconds remaining, giving Graceland a clear shot at victory, but the Yellowjackets missed a 3-pointer with seven seconds left. The Mustangs got the ball and ran  out the clock.

The victory lifted Mount Mercy to 12-10 overall and 7-9 in the conference. Graceland fell to 12-8 overall and 8-7 in the league.

The Mustangs, who lead all NAIA schools in 3-point shooting, were only 12 of 45 from distance. They were beaten on the backboards (45-32) and  shot only five free throws, but still found a way to win.

Dennis McKinney led Mount Mercy with 19 points and seven rebounds. Antwain Strong scored 17 points. Mike Evans had 13 points and nine rebounds. Bailey Basala chipped in with 11 points.

Mo Jackson led Graceland with 15 points.

MOUNT MERCY (68): McKinney 7 1-1 19, Evans 6 1-1 13, Basala 4 1-2 11,  Strong 6 1-1 17, Reischauer 2 0-0 5, Villagrana 0 0-0 0, Johnson 1 0-0 3. Totals 26 4-5 68.

GRACELAND (67): Harley 3 0-0 7, Nelson 5 3-3 13, Pena 5 1-4 11,  Jackson 5 3-4 15, Franklin 1 0-0 3, Coleman 1 0-0 3, Meier 5 1-1 13,  Butler 0 0-0 0, Schweighauser 0 2-2 2, Leedom 0 0-0 0. Totals 25 10-14  67.

Halftime - Mount Mercy 40, Graceland 32. 3-point goals - Mount Mercy  12 (McKinney 4, Strong 4, Basala 2, Reischauer 1, Johnson 1),  Graceland 7 (Jackson 2, Meier 2, Harley 1, Franklin 1, Coleman 1).