Jovana Jovovic recorded a double double and hit 4 clutch free throws in MNU's 64-62 double overtime victory over #11 Benedictine on Thursday. In a defensive struggle between 2 of last year's Fab Four, the Pioneers led 10-7 after the first quarter and trailed 24-22 at halftime. The scoring opened up a bit in the 3rd, and MNU led 41-40 heading to the 4th. With 5 minutes to go, MNU led by 7, but Benedictine clawed back to tie it with 14 seconds left. Jovovic was fouled with 4 seconds left and buried both free throws, but the Ravens tied it in the final seconds with a brilliant inbounds play to send the game to overtime.
Late in the first overtime, the Ravens led by 4.
Jayden Oliver was fouled and split the free throws, but
Tristin Wicks got the rebound and Oliver nailed a 3 to tie it. In the second overtime, Jovovic again found herself at the line in the final seconds of a tie game, and again she hit both free throws to give MNU the victory.
Jovana Jovovic had 17 points and 12 rebounds. And
Tanchelle Hollingsworth added 16 points and 4 assists.
#1 MNU is 6-1 (5-0 Heart). The next game is Saturday at Missouri Valley (6-3, 3-3) at 2:00.
