The Pioneers bounced back from their worst performance of the year with one of their best in an 80-67 victory over Central Methodist on Saturday. The Eagles were hot out of the gate, opening up an 11-4 lead after 2 minutes of play. MNU trailed by 8 with 6 minutes left in the half when a 10-2 run, capped by a
Bailey Rinehart 3-pointer, tied the game at 30. An
Ashtynn Burns 3 in the final minute gave the Pioneers a 1-point lead at halftime.
In the second half, the Pioneer defense locked down and the offense found its rhythm. In a 10-minute stretch, MNU outscored CMU 27-8 to secure a 20-point lead. The Eagles were able to cut into the deficit in the final minutes, but the Pioneers held on for a 13-point victory. The turnover margin was the difference as MNU forced 29 while committing just 10.
Daria Sprew and
Megan Balcom scored 18 points apiece.
Kyleesha Weston had 17 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals. And
Jasmine Webb added 11 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.
MNU is 13-5 (6-1 HAAC). The next game is Thursday at home vs. Avila (7-7, 2-5) at 5:30.
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