Box Score Luke Thomas' career night was not enough to overcome costly turnovers and poor free throw shooting in MNU's 90-87 loss to Park on Saturday. The sophomore forward shot 8 for 13 from the floor and 13-17 from the free throw line for a career-high 29 points. He also pulled down a career-high 15 rebounds, handed out 3 assists, blocked 2 shots, and recorded a steal.
Park came out with a good defensive game plan and started with a 6-0 run as MNU turned the ball over 4 times in the opening minutes. The Pioneers finally tied the game with 2 minutes remaining in the first half, then went on a 6-0 run to lead 46-40 at halftime.
Park again started the second half strongly and quickly erased the Pioneer lead. The Pirates took control of the game and took an 8-point lead with 6 minutes left, but MNU fought back and got within 2 in the final minute. Park then ran the shot clock all the way down before missing a close range shot and MNU went on a fast break.
Rustin Dowd caught a pass in front of the Pioneer bench, put on the brakes, and nailed a 3 to give MNU a 1-point lead. But Park converted free throws down the stretch and the Pioneers could not score again.
Thomas was joined in double figures by Dowd (17),
Jacob French (12), and
David Clark (12).
Nick Syrie had 5 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. And
Conner Langrehr contributed 9 points off the bench.
The Pioneers are 1-1. The next game is Wednesday the 9th at Ottawa (0-2) at 7:30.
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