CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Interstat) — Carson Busch scored 35 points to lead a blistering offensive performance as the Graceland Yellowjackets defeated the Mount Mercy Mustangs 97-75 in a men’s NAIA basketball game Wednesday night at Hennessey Recreation Center.

The Yellowjackets, who improved to 20-4 overall, avenged a narrow overtime victory from their previous meeting on Jan. 21 with a dominant display of efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. Graceland connected on 15 of 29 3-point attempts, a 51.7% clip, and shot 57.4% from the floor overall. The team’s offensive rating of 152.9 points per 100 possessions underscored a night where nearly every possession yielded a high-quality shot.

The most important stretch of the game came early, as Graceland weathered an initial burst from Mount Mercy’s Brayson Laube and Aiden Price to seize control with a barrage of 3-pointers. After the Mustangs took an early 11-9 lead, Graceland’s Josh Sanderson ignited a decisive run. Sanderson hit three consecutive 3-pointers in a span of just 86 seconds, part of a larger 15-1 surge that turned a two-point deficit into a 24-12 Graceland lead, forcing a Mount Mercy timeout with 13:06 remaining in the opening period.

Mount Mercy, which fell to 12-13, never recovered from that explosive sequence. The Mustangs struggled to contain Graceland’s perimeter shooting and were consistently outworked on the glass, losing the rebounding battle 32-24 and surrendering eight offensive rebounds to just two of their own.

Busch was the catalyst throughout, adding four assists to his game-high point total in 33 minutes. He was supported by a balanced attack featuring Cole Bowen with 13 points, Sanderson with 16 and Deundra Roberson with 12 points and five assists. Micah Lamberth anchored the interior with eight rebounds.

For Mount Mercy, Laube led the way with 22 points, while Price contributed 17 points and four rebounds. Aidan Yamilkoski added 14 points. The Mustangs shot a respectable 48.3% from the field but were hampered by 7-of-22 shooting from 3-point range and nine turnovers, which Graceland converted into easy transition opportunities.

The Yellowjackets led 49-42 after a fast-paced first quarter and extended their advantage steadily in the second, ultimately holding Mount Mercy to 33 points after halftime to pull away. Graceland’s discipline was also evident at the free-throw line, where they made 20 of 22 attempts.

The victory extends Graceland’s winning streak to three games as they prepare for a road contest at Missouri Baptist on Saturday. Mount Mercy looks to rebound at home against Benedictine, also on Saturday.