The Pioneers escaped with a 3-point victory over a relentless Missouri Valley squad on Saturday. MNU led by at least 9 points 4 different times but could not put the Vikings away. MNU started the game on a 16-6 run to take control, but Valley closed to within 3 by halftime. The second half started similar and the Pioneers again led by 9 before Valley reeled them back. MNU used a 7-0 run to take an 11-point lead with 10 minutes left, but 6 minutes later the Vikings were down just 2. In the final minutes when Valley was down just one, Daria Sprew converted a 3-point play to spark a 7-0 run. MNU led by 8 with 50 seconds left, but the Vikings had one more run left. Three buckets and a few missed free throws gave Valley the ball with under 10 seconds left trailing by 3. But they mishandled the inbounds pass and were forced to heave a shot from mid court. MNU held on to win 81-78 to remain atop the HAAC.Megan Balcom shot 9-11 (2-2 3fg) for 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Daria Sprew was 9-15 for 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals.
Martyna Kudziela did a little of everything with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. And
Shadequa Longus hit 2 big threes off the bench for 6 points.
MNU is 18-5 (11-1 HAAC). The next game is Thursday at Evangel (5-15, 4-8) at 5:30.
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