CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Raven Men's Basketball team held Mount Mercy University under 70 points for the first time this season as the handed the Mustangs their second loss in Heart play, 79-65.

Benedictine (5-2, 2-0 Heart) was able to hold Mount Mercy (2-3, 0-2 Heart) 24-points under their season average while holding the Mustangs to just seven 3-pointers.

After leading by two points at the break, the Ravens maintained their lead through the second half. The Mustangs did pull even with the Ravens twice at 53-53 and again at 55-55 with just under eight minutes left to play. Benedictine outscored Mount Mercy 24-10 over the final eight minutes of play.

Facing a zone defense for most of the game, the Ravens attacked the zone which translated to 32 points in the paint. That attack also led to free throw chances for the Ravens. They finished the game connecting on 88.2 percent from the charity stripe while hitting 12 of 13 in the second half.

While the Ravens had success offensively against the Mount Mercy zone, Benedictine's defensive effort limited the Mustangs offense. Mount Mercy finished at 39.7 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Four players reached double figures for the Ravens, led by the double-double of Adam Kutney. Kutney finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds going 6 of 6 at the free throw line. Eric Krus and Thomas O'Connor added 13 points each while Saxton Thuston finished with 11 points off the bench as the Ravens finished with a 22-11 advantage in bench scoring.

Saturday's win over Mount Mercy was the first for Benedictine in Cedar Rapids as the programs have now squared off six times in Heart play.

Benedictine takes on No. 19 MNU on Tuesday inside the Ralph Nolan Gymnasium. Tuesday marks the annual Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Night.