Mustangs Handle Pioneers

The Basics
Score: MNU 83 - Mount Mercy 95
Records: MNU (10-8, 9-5), Mount Mercy (11-7, 10-5)
Location: Bell Family Arena - Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers jumped out to an 8-2 lead, but trailed by double digits most of the game in a 95-83 home loss to Mount Mercy on Saturday. MNU led 20-19 after 8 minutes of play, but the Mustangs went on a 20-7 run to go up by 12. MNU trailed by 9 at halftime, and never got closer than 8 in the second half.

Turning Point
An 8-minute stretch in the first half saw MNU get outscored 20-7.

Individual Leaders
David Nelson canned 6 three-pointers for 22 points to lead all scorers. Payne Andrus had 16 points and 7 assists. Justin Randall added 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks. And Camden Chrisman had 11 points and 5 assists off the bench.

Inside the Box Score
Mt. Mercy dominated the paint, outscoring MNU 48-36 inside.
Three Mt. Mercy subs reached double figures as the Mustang bench outscored MNU's bench 53-19.

News & Notes
- Both MNU basketball teams lost tonight; the first time that's happened since Evangel swept the Pioneers in January of 2011. A span of 61 home double headers.
- Justin Randall leads the nation in total blocks (54) and blocks per game (2.7). He has 21 in his last 4 games.
- Payne Andrus leads the Heart in assists (109) and assists per game (6.1).
- Justin Jamison (wrists) has been participating in workouts and is eyeing a return this month.

Up Next
The next game is Wednesday at home vs. Grand View (12-5, 10-4) at 7:30.