Box Score
Navia Palu recorded a career-high 15 points on 7-7 shooting but the #4 Pioneers suffered their first HAAC loss after 24 straight wins vs. #20 Baker on Thursday. The final was 84-72. Baker started the game on a 6-0 run and MNU didn't score until the 15:39 mark. But 4 straight 3-pointers in 90 seconds gave MNU a 12-8 lead. The score remained close until MNU went on an 8-0 run near the end of the half, but Baker closed with a mini run to go to the locker room trailing by 3. The second half belonged to Baker, after 10 minutes of back-and-forth basketball, Baker took a 6-point lead with 8 minutes remaining, and the Pioneers could not close the gap. Baker hit their free throws down the stretch to extend the lead as high as 14, and MNU dropped into a tie for 1st in the HAAC.
Navia Palu was perfect from the floor for a career-high 15 points. She also recorded 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
Megan Balcom hit 5 threes for 15 points. And
Kelsey Balcom had 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The Pioneers are 17-2 (9-1 HAAC). The next game is Saturday at Culver-Stockton (3-15, 0-10) at 2:00.
