The Culver-Stockton College men's basketball team scored a season-high 56 second half points to overcome a 16-point halftime deficit and defeat Mount Mercy University 97-92 at Charles Field House Wednesday night.

The strong second half effort was needed by the Wildcats after the Mustangs shot 64 percent from the field, including 65 percent (11-17) from the 3-point stripe, in building a 57-41 halftime advantage.

Despite Mount Mercy upping the lead to 21 points early in the second half, C-SC came out energized and made 54 percent of its field attempts, many on driving layups, to inch its way back into the game.

Meanwhile, the Mustangs cooled significantly in the second half, making just five of their 15 3-point attempts. The visitors also struggled from the foul line in the final 20 minutes, making just four of nine in the period.

The Wildcats needed help from every player that played to pull off the monumental comeback. Connor Davis, the leagues leading scorer, pumped in 19 of his team-high 23 points in the second half. Tai Walters-Whitaker and Ryan Stevenson added 16 and 15 points, respectively, while Walters-Whitaker dished out six assists. Alex Jackson pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds.  

C-SC also got a much-needed help from the bench, outscoring the Mustangs 32-13. Roee Dinnar recorded 17 points off the bench, while Martez Rhodes registered 11 of his 13 bench points in the second half.

The Wildcats went 15-for-17 from the free throw line in the game, including a perfect 7-for-7 in the first half. C-SC out-rebounded the visitors 42-32, outscoring the Mustangs 24-12 in second chance points.

C-SC, now 2-9 overall and 2-5 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, plays its final road game before the holidays this Saturday, Dec. 14, at Park University in Parkville, Mo. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m. at the Breckon Sports Center.