The Pioneers continued their hot second half with a 67-65 victory over HAAC-leading and #11-ranked Benedictine on Saturday. The first 10 minutes were controlled by the Ravens as they led 22-15, but the Pioneers tied the game on a
Cale Brubaker three-pointer as part of a 14-5 run, and MNU took a 3-point lead into halftime. Neither team had more than a 4-point lead in the second half as the teams battled down to the wire. With the score tied and less than a minute to play,
Jordan Whelan's twisting scoop layup put MNU up by 2. Benedictine drew a foul on the next possession, but split the free throws.
Aleksandar Zivkovic went to the line with 4 seconds left with the chance to put the Pioneers up by 3, and he converted both free throws. MNU fouled Benedictine on the inbounds pass, and the Ravens made the first free throw. The second attempt was missed intentionally, and the rebound bounced around long enough for the clock to expire and end the game.
Nate Launius had a game-high 21 points along with 5 rebounds.
Jordan Whelan had 15 points, a career-high 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks off the bench. And
Justin Randall added 12 points.
MNU is 8-15 (7-7 HAAC). The next game is Thursday at home vs. Peru State (15-10, 8-5) at 7:30.
Â
