Rustin Dowd's game-high 19 points and 5 assists were not enough to overcome a 2nd half surge by #12 Central Methodist on Monday. The Pioneers came out strong and used a 6-0 run at the end of the half to take a 9-point lead into the locker room. But MNU managed just 23 points in the second half as the Eagles mounted a comeback. Central Methodist had a 1-point lead with 90 seconds left when
Brenton Bell nailed a 3 to give MNU the lead. But the Eagles answered back with what appeared to be a 3-pointer to retake the lead. But the refs huddled and checked the video and determined it was a game-tying deep 2. Bell banked in a long shot in the final possession, but it was after the buzzer and the game went to overtime.
In the extra period, MNU took a 3-point lead with 2:25 remaining, but the Pioneers never scored again. Central Methodist scored on their final two possessions to take a 1-point lead, Bell's 3-pointer from the corner at the buzzer went begging, and MNU fell 65-64.
Dowd had 19 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds.
Brenton Bell had 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals.
Ben Swinger just missed a double double with 11 points and 9 rebounds.
Vince Thompkins had 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals. And
Lukas Weigel came off the bench with a solid 8 points and 7 rebounds.
The Pioneers are 16-10, (10-6 HAAC). The next game is Thursday at home vs. Evangel (15-11, 11-5) at 7:30.
