Box Score Stats | A big first quarter by the University of the Cumberlands was too much for MNU to overcome in a 42-24 loss in the first round of the NAIA National Championship Series on Saturday.
The Patriots boasted the top rushing attack in the NAIA, and they showed why. The opening drive went 16 plays for 81 yards, including two 4th-down conversions, to put Cumberlands up 7-0. MNU went 3-and-out, and the Patriots went 70 yards on 10 plays for another touchdown to close the first quarter. MNU answered with a field goal, and managed to force a punt on the ensuing drive. But an interception gave the ball back to Cumberlands, and a 7-play 62-yard touchdown drive put the Patriots up 21-3.
MNU was able to finally get into the end zone at the end of the half
Sean Ransburg hooked up with
LaDon Hudson for 15 yards to close the gap, and a 57-yard touchdown by the same pair to start the second half put MNU right back in the game trailing 21-17. The teams traded punts, then Cumberlands took control for good. A 6-play 54-yard Patriot touchdown drive was answered by a punt and a missed field goal by MNU, and when Cumberlands found the end zone again, the Pioneers trailed 35-17 in the 4th quarter.
MNU got within shouting distance when Ransburg found
Greg Gates for a 31-yard touchdown, but Cumberlands ate up most of the remaining clock with a 13-play 76-yard drive to ice the game.
Greg Gates had 11 carries for 95 yards. He also caught 3 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. Ransburg was 13-27 for 243 yards and 3 touchdowns. And
LaDon Hudson had 4 catches for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Pioneers end the season 8-3.
