Pioneers Fall in OT

Nick Syrie put up a career-high 30 points in an overtime loss to Texas Wesleyan on Friday in the MNU Tip-Off Tourney final. The Rams opened up a 9-point lead with 5 minutes remaining in the first half, but the Pioneers went on an 11-5 run to trim the deficit to 3 at halftime.

With seven and a half minutes remaining in the second half, Texas Wesleyan had a 7-point lead. MNU went on a 10-2 run to take the lead with 4 minutes left, and the next few minutes were tight. The Rams held a 3-point lead with 25 seconds left when Nick Syrie hit a layup while getting fouled. He nailed the bonus free throw to tie the game, and MNU held TWU without a shot on their next possession to send the game into overtime.

In overtime, neither team could create distance until the final 30 seconds. The Rams led by 1 and held the Pioneers scoreless while they hit 4 free throws to ice the game.

Nick Syrie shot 11-18 from the field and 8-10 from the line for a career-high 30 points. He also dished out 10 assists. Jordan Whelan had 20 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals off the bench. Justin Randall was 8-11 for 17 points and 3 blocks. Hudson Welty shot 7-10 for 14 points and 5 rebounds. And Jonas Page added 9 points, 5 assists, 3 blocks, and 3 steals.

MNU is 2-1. The next game is Thursday at home vs. Barclay College at 8:00 for the Jeff Uphaus Memorial Tournament.