CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - It took 27:23 for the Kohawks to take their first lead of the game, but it was their play in the final minutes of the game that helped them win their season opener against Mount Mercy. Senior Christian Parent (Littleton, Colo./Littleton) scored a team-high 12 points in the win.

Coe struggled from the floor in the first half, as they shot just 21.4 percent from the field, including one of eight from 3-point range. The Kohawks had the hot hand in the second half, as they shot 59.3 percent from the field and were six of 10 from 3-point range.

Turnovers were the downfall in the first half for both teams, as the Mustangs committed 12 and Coe tallied 10. The Kohawks were able to correct their errors at the break, as they only comitted three in the second half. Coe was able to keep the pressure on the Mustangs, as they forced 10 second half turnovers.

The Kohawks took a 63-62 lead with 2:40 to play as freshman Kevin Gaster (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Jefferson) hit a jumper. With 1:56 to play, senior Kevin Dux (Boulder, Colo./Fairview) stripped the ball away from Brandon Barnhart, which led to a layup by sophomore Alex Tatman (Humboldt, Iowa/Humboldt). With the Kohawks leading 65-62, Jake Carey scored for the Mustangs with 1:11 to play.

Mount Mercy took two shots in the final two seconds of the game, but neither one was able to drop, giving the Kohawks the win.

Tatman and junior Brett Petersen (Gibson City, Ill./Gibson City) both added eight points apiece. Tatman added four rebounds, while Petersen dropped in five. Sophomore Caleb Luckow (Webster City, Iowa/Webster City) and Tatman each had a game-high four assists.

The Kohawks return to action Friday night, as they travel to 19th-ranked Lawrence. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.