Slow start plagues PCM boys in loss to Saydel

DES MOINES — A slow start and 17 turnovers were too much for PCM’s boys basketball team to overcome on Friday night.

The Mustangs scored just two points in the first quarter and played from behind the rest of the night during a 68-59 road loss to Saydel in Heart of Iowa Activities Conference play.

PCM closed the gap to just four at halftime, but the Eagles used a 22-11 third quarter to pull away for good. The Mustangs won the second 18-10 and the fourth 28-22.

The Mustangs are 23-4 against Saydel sine 2013, but the Eagles have won four of the past seven in the series.

Chase Wagaman led the Mustangs with 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

Kevin Thomas put in a career-best 13 points and added five rebounds, six assists and four steals. Gavin Steenhoek totaled 10 points and two steals, Kash Fischer chipped in seven points, three rebounds and three assists and Joe Shaver contributed six points, six boards and three assists off the bench.

Abe Kiernan scored three points and grabbed four rebounds in his first career varsity start, Bryson Karr scored the first five points of his varsity career and Coby DeRaad pulled down two rebounds off the bench.

The Mustangs (1-2, 1-1 in the HOIAC) shot 44 percent from the floor, made 7-of-25 from 3-point range and connected on 8-of-17 from the free-throw line.

PCM delivered 16 assists on 22 field goals and out-rebounded the Eagles 31-23.

Jacob Ottmanns led Saydel (2-0, 1-0) with 22 points and four rebounds. Gage Moreno had 17 points, five rebounds and five assists and Gunner Vanderpool contributed 15 points and six assists.

The Eagles shot 47.7 percent from the floor, made 7-of-19 from 3 and buried 19-of-28 from the foul line.