Box Score
Luke Thomas finished 2 assists shy of a triple-double in #25 MNU's 92-77 victory at #14 Culver in the HAAC Semis on Friday. The NAIA's leader in double-doubles had 26 points, 15 rebounds, and a career-high 8 assists as MNU moves on to host the tourney final vs. Evangel on Monday.
The Pioneers never trailed as they ran out to a 13-6 lead. A 7-0 run pushed the lead to 12 points and MNU maintained the cushion throughout the half. Culver came out strong in the second half to cut the deficit to 8, but
Conner Langrehr made 3 straight buckets and MNU held a double-digit lead for the rest of the game. MNU held Culver to 14 point below their season average, and the Wildcats were just 2-18 from beyond the arc while MNU was 5-10. The Pioneers shot 55% overall as Culver shot 43%.
Thomas' huge game was joined by Langrehr's 22 points and 6 assists.
Nate Launius had 17 points and 3 assists. And
Nick Syrie added 7 assists.
MNU is 22-10. The next game is the HAAC Tournament Championship at home vs. Evangel (23-9) on Monday at 7:00. The winner secures the final HAAC automatic bid to Nationals. Benedictine and Culver-Stockton have already punched their tickets.
