Dowd Reaches 2000 in Victory Over Baker

Box Score

Dowd's 2,000th point | Highlights | Rocky's Thoughts | Rustin Dowd's 2000th career point highlighted the game as the #22 Pioneers dominated the first half and won by 10 vs. Baker on Thursday. MNU jumped out to a 10-2 lead led by 17 at halftime. Rustin Dowd needed 15 points to reach 2,000 for his career, and with 13 minutes left in the game, he nailed a 15-foot jumper to reach the milestone and send the home crowd into a frenzy. The Wildcats seemed to get energized by the moment, however, and fought to get back into the game. The MNU lead was 20 with 8 minutes remaining when Baker went on a 10-0 run get within striking distance. The Pioneers hit 7-8 three throws down the stretch to keep the Wildcats at bay, and Baker couldn't get closer than 7 in the closing minutes.

Brandon Newton had his best game as a Pioneer with 15 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals in 22 minutes. Dowd had 15 points and 6 rebounds. Nick Syrie had 10 points, a game-high 5 assists, and 2 steals. And Luke thomas added 8 points and 8 rebounds off the bench.

Dowd is the 8th Pioneers to reach 2,000 points. He ranks behind:

The Pioneers are 20-7 (12-3 HAAC). The next game is Saturday at home vs. Missouri Valley (9-18, 4-11) at 4:00. The Pioneers won a thrilling triple overtime game in Marshall last month.