Box Score Stats |
Rustin Dowd's 22 second-half points keyed MNU's 81-71 victory at Park on Tuesday. The senior had just 2 points at halftime but caught fire from outside and in the paint, nailing all 4 of the 3-point attempts while shooting 8-11 overall. The Pioneers won despite being out-rebounded 40-22 and allowing Park 20 offensive rebounds.
Park came out hot and built a quick 16-4 lead in the opening 5 minutes. MNU trailed 18-8 before answering with a 10-0 run to tie the game. Park fired back with a 6-0 run and maintained a small lead throughout the rest of the half.
Dowd took over the second half and gave the Pioneers their first lead with a 3-pointer at the 15-minute mark to give MNU a 48-47 advantage. The Pirates answered back and took the lead again, but MNU took the lead for good with 9-minutes remaining and built a 10-point lead in the final minutes.
Dowd led all scorers with a season-high 24. He also recorded 4 steals.
Nick Syrie had 17 points and 7 assists.
Luke Thomas had 16 points and 5 rebounds. And
Jacob French added 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals. MNU shot 57.7% for the game while holding Park to 43.1%.
MNU is 6-1. The next game is the
Nazarene Tournament on Friday and Saturday. MNU faces Olivet Nazarene on Friday at 7. Saturday at 4 the Pioneers will face the winner of the NCAA Divison 2 matchup between Trevecca Nazarene and Southern Nazarene.
