NAIA Recap | #12 MNU overcame a late 7-point deficit, but gave up a 6-point lead in the final minute in an 87-82 overtime victory vs. #24 Oklahoma City on Thursday. Neither team took more than a 6-point lead in the first half as both teams experienced foul trouble. The Stars succeeded in slowing the Pioneers and playing at their pace, and the game was tied at 31 at halftime.
In the second half, Oklahoma City continued to control the flow until Jonas Page got hot. The junior guard had zero points in the first 30 minutes of the game, but he nailed a 3 with 10 minutes to play to cut the deficit to 3. He hit another jumper 30 seconds later, then hit 2 more threes for an 11-point 5-minute stretch. Justin Randall's second 3-pointer of the game (and of the season) tied the game at 62, and Page gave MNU a 3-point lead with another triple with 3 minutes to go. The Pioneers stretched the lead to 6 as Nick Syrie started to take over, but the Stars didn't go quietly. After 2 Page free throws with 12 seconds left pushed the MNU lead to 3, Oklahoma City was fouled in the final second on a 3-pointer. The shooter nailed all 3 free throws, and the game went to overtime.A bucket by
Gabriel Jordan and two free throws from
Hudson Welty gave the Pioneers a cushion, and
Nick Syrie's steal and layup put the game away in the final minute.
Nick Syrie led all scorers with 21 points, 6 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals.
Jonas Page had 18 points in the final 15 minutes, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds off the bench.
Justin Randall added 15 points and 3 blocks.
Gabriel Jordan had 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. And
Hudson Welty hauled in 8 rebounds off the bench.
MNU is 26-8. The next game is Friday vs. William Jessup (19-10) at 8:00.
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