Box Score
The Pioneers played right with top-seed Evangel for most of the game on Tuesday, but could not pull off a season sweep of the conference leaders in an 88-81 loss in the HAAC Tourney title game. MNU had swept the regular season matchups with the Crusaders and the game was tied at 49 with 15 minutes remaining. But Evangel outscored MNU by 6 in the next few minutes and would not relinquish the lead. MNU cut a 9-point lead down to 4 with 2 minutes left, but the Crusaders hit their free throws down the stretch to claim the title.
Rustin Dowd led all scorers with 24 points. He also racked up 4 steals.
Brandon Newton recorded a double double with a career-high 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Jacob French had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Luke Thomas had 13 points off the bench. And
Nick Syrie had a game-high 8 assists.
The Pioneers are 24-9 (14-4 HAAC). The next game is the first round of the Buffalo Funds NAIA Division 1 Men's Basketball National Championship. Pairings will be announced Wednesday evening. Tourney fan info
here.
