Box and Play by Play The Pioneers took defending champ Azusa Pacific (CA) to the brink, but eventually fell 77-72 in overtime at the National Tournament on Wednesday. In the first half with the score tied at 14, MNU took control of the game with a 12-0 run sparked by 5 straight points from
Kassidy Ritchel. APU stopped the bleeding and cut the deficit to 6, but the Pioneers went into halftime leading by 10.
It took the Pioneers 3 minutes to score in the second half, and the Cougars took advantage scoring 9 straight to get within 1. The Pioneers fought off the run and built the lead back to 6, but the lead would be short-lived as APU went on a 13-0 run over 3 minutes to take a 7-point lead. MNU answered with a 17-4 run to lead 61-55 with 7 minutes remaining, and held a 4-point lead in the final minute. The Pioneers failed to score in their final 2 possessions, however, and APU's Briana Hall hit 2 pressure free throws with 4 seconds left to send the game into overtime.
Daria Sprew scored 4 points early in the period, but that's all MNU would get as the Cougars made their free throws down the stretch to win by 5.
Kiley Herold had 14 points and 7 rebounds.
Kassidy Ritchel added 14 points.
Rachel Boan had 12 points and 4 assists.
Daria Sprew had 12 points and 7 rebounds. And
Navia Palu had 8 points, a team-high 8 rebounds, and a team-high 7 assists.
The Pioneers finish the season with a record of 25-9.
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