Mount Vernon had a close, but triumphant win over Marion on Feb. 7, winning 65-63. The 15-5 Mustangs lost in their last appearance against the 7-11 Wolves in January and the Stangs were looking for their revenge.
The Mustangs took the lead early, leading Marion 12-9 in the first quarter with three steals early in the first quarter, two from Seth Rushford and one from Stratton Ellyson.
“I felt pretty confident on defense,” Rushford said. “We had a good game plan for what my role on defense was and that allowed me to get some steals early.” This ability to take possessions away from Marion helped them take the lead early. The Stangs made a few decisive 3’s in the first quarter, with one from Joe Briesmeister and one from Seth Rushford. Efficient defense for the Stangs supported with a pair of blocks from Luke Rushford and Kellen Haverback.
The Mustangs carried momentum to the second quarter where they outscored 19 to Marion’s 10. The Stangs continued with a couple more steals and a three from Haverback, who continued to be hot throughout the second quarter, picking up another three points when he drove into the lane making a contested layup and drawing a foul. He proceeded to sink the free throw, following up with a corner three the next possession with the assist from Ellyson. The Stangs went into the half up 31-19.
The Mustangs slowed down in the second half, in the third quarter the Stangs were outpaced with Marion driving the lane and drawing fouls. But Mount Vernon was still able to be efficient enough to keep the lead going into the fourth quarter. MV led 43-41 but they were outscored 22-12 by the Wolves.
The fourth quarter was a nailbiter as both teams fought their hearts out. Mustangs got ahead quickly getting a couple of quick defensive rebounds that led to quick points on offense but the Wolves bounced back by charging down and taking the foul to proceed to make their free throws. Going into the last 30 seconds the Stangs were up 62-60 and to try to get possession back Marion fouled Haverback where he drained both free throws. In the last second Marion was fouled down by two Marion wasn’t able to make their free throws and Mount Vernon won 65-63.