The Pioneers evened their HAAC record and are tied for 6th after a 76-74 victory at CMU on Saturday. MNU started well and built a 15-point lead with 3 minutes left in the first half, but CMU closed with an 11-4 run to trail by 8. After 6 minutes, the Pioneers built a 12-point lead, but the Eagles went on an 18-2 run over 5 minutes to take a 4-point lead.
Hudson Welty scored back-to-back buckets to tie the game, and MNU increased the lead to 4 with 5 minutes left. CMU came back again, however, and scored 7 straight to go back up by 3.
Gabriel Jordan nailed a 3 to tie the game and spark MNU's 7-0 run. In the final seconds, CMU was down by 3 and stood at the free throw line. After the second shot was intentionally missed,
Hudson Welty grabbed the rebound and MNU hung on for the 2-point win.
With 2 games remaining, MNU, CMU, and Avila are tied for 6th and are 1 game behind Peru State and Culver-Stockton for 5th. All 10 teams participate in the HAAC Post Season Tournament after the season, with the 7-10 seeds competing in a "play-in" game.
The Pioneers are 9-16 (8-8 HAAC). The next game is Thursday at Avila (14-12, 8-8) at 7:30.
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