Box Score
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Jacob French's running floater in the lane beat the buzzer and sent the Pioneer faithful into a frenzy as MNU defeated Baker 69-68 on Thursday. MNU advances to the semifinals of the HAAC Conference Tournament.
The Pioneers started quickly and jumped out to a 10-2 lead before Baker went on a 19-8 run to tie the game at 20. MNU controlled the game in the second half and led by 10 with 8 minutes left, but Baker chipped away from the charity stripe. Both teams were in the double bonus early, and the Pioneers ended up 12-23 from the line while Baker hit 24-28. The MNU lead was whittled to 1 with 40 seconds left, and when the Pioneers missed a shot, Baker had a chance to take the lead with 15 seconds remaining. Jordan Honore's 15-foot bank shot put Baker ahead with 6 seconds left, and the Pioneers had to come up with a play.
The ball went to
Nick Syrie who sprinted up the right sideline. Two Baker defenders trapped him near the MNU bench and he quickly passed the ball to the trailing French at the top of the key. French buried the little floater as the buzzer sounded and the Pioneers advanced to the semis.
Luke Thomas led the offense with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists off the bench.
Conner Langrehr had 13 points off the bench.
Jacob French had 11 points and 3 steals.
David Clark added 10 points.
Brandon Newton filled the stat sheet with 8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 5 fouls. And
Nick Syrie had 11 assists.
The Pioneers are 23-8. The next game is Saturday at #22 Culver-Stockton (24-7) at 7:00. MNU was swept by Culver in the regular season. 1-seed Evangel and 4-seed CMU also won on Thursday, and if MNU, Evangel, or Culver wins the tourney, the Pioneers qualify for Nationals.
