Comeback Comes Up Just Short

A 19-point second half deficit was cut to 1, but MNU could not come all the way back in a 69-65 loss to Sterling on Thursday at the Jeff Uphaus Memorial Tournament. The first 10 minutes belonged to Sterling as the Warriors built a 20-10 lead. The Pioneers used a 9-1 run near the end of the half to get back into the game, but Sterling closed with a 7-0 run to take a 16-point lead into the locker room.

With 15 minutes remaining in the game, Sterling led by 19. Then the Pioneers got hot. The next 13 minutes saw MNU out-score Sterling 29-11 to cut the deficit to 1, but the Pioneers could not find a bucket in the closing minutes and Sterling held on.

Nate Launius led MNU with 18 points. Justin Randall had 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. And Aleksander Zivkovic had 7 points and 9 rebounds.

MNU is 0-4. The next game is Friday at home vs. Grand View (1-3) at 8:00 for the conclusion of the Jeff Uphaus Memorial Tournament.