March 19, 2024

PCM comes up big in fourth quarter, sweeps Saydel

MONROE — Both Prairie City-Monroe basketball teams needed second-half rallies against Saydel on Thursday night during a Heart of Iowa Conference varsity doubleheader.

The Mustang girls trailed 21-16 at halftime but outscored the Eagles 29-15 in the second half during a 45-36 victory, while the PCM boys overcame a slow start with a 26-9 advantage in the final two quarters of its 54-41 triumph.

Logan Gilman had 24 points and six rebounds for the PCM boys, which moved into a tie for first place with Gilbert in the HOIC after the win. The Tigers lost 69-46 to Nevada on Thursday.

The Mustangs and Tigers both have three conference losses. The conference could be decided when PCM travels to Gilbert on Tuesday.

Saydel led PCM 14-12 after one quarter and maintained a 32-28 lead at the break, but the Eagles (1-16 overall and 0-13 in the HOIC) never got going in the second half thanks to strong defense by the Mustangs.

Luke Greiner had nine points and seven rebounds for the Mustangs, who improved to 13-5 overall and 10-3 in the conference. It was PCM’s fifth straight win.

Andrew Van Ryswyk also grabbed seven boards and Gilman dished out three assists for the home team.

In the girls game, PCM and Saydel were tied at 7-all after one quarter, but Saydel led by five at the break.

The Eagles’ lead was trimmed to one after three quarters and a 19-9 PCM advantage in the fourth sealed the win for the Mustangs (11-8, 10-4).

Saydel has now lost four of five. The Eagles fell to 6-13 overall and 4-10 in conference play.

Kayla Jennings scored 20 points, grabbed five rebounds and had five steals for the Mustangs, while Lexi Timmins scored eight and corralled four boards.

Katie Vande Wall finished with seven points and two steals, and Jayci Vos had five assists and two steals.

PCM hosts Nevada in a HOIC doubleheader starting at 6 p.m. Friday.

The Cub girls have already locked up the conference title and are ranked No. 3 in Class 3A.