A late-game comeback came up just short as MNU fell 65-62 at Missouri Valley in the conference tournament on Thursday. The Vikings scored the first 4 points of the game and maintained a 3-possession lead for most of the first half. MNU cut a 10-point deficit down to 6 in the final minute of the half, but Valley started the second strong and rebuilt a double-digit lead. With just over 10 minutes left, MNU trailed by 9.
Jordan Whelan scored before
Cale Brubaker and
Nate Launius nailed 3-pointers to get within 2.
Justin Randall scored to tie the game, and Launius hit a shot to put MNU up by 2 with 4 minutes to play. After the teams traded buckets in the next 2 minutes,
Gabriel Jordan's free throw put MNU ahead by 1 with 45 seconds left. The Vikings called a timeout and were able to bury a 12-foot jumper from the baseline to retake the lead. The Pioneers turned the ball over on the ensuing possession, and Valley was able to convert a breakaway to go up by 3 with 10 seconds left. Both teams hit a pair of free throws in the final seconds, and MNU's desperation 3 at the buzzer was blocked.
Nate Launius finished his career with 17 points on 5-7 shooting.
Cale Brubaker recorded 11 points. And
Justin Randall had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
MNU closes the season 11-17.
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