Pioneers Fight Off Vikings

The Basics
Score: MNU 74 - MVC 63
Records: MNU (12-11, 11-8), Missouri Valley (12-10, 10-9)
Location: Bell Family Arena - Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan. - MNU built leads and fought off several hard-charging Missouri Valley runs to win 74-63 on Saturday. In a low-scoring first half, the teams were tied at 21 with 5 minutes left. The Pioneers closed the period on a 15-4 run, capped by a Jonathan Green three at the buzzer, to take an 11-point lead to the locker room. But the Vikings fought back in the second half, closing the gap to 4 after 2 minutes. The Pioneers responded with a 9-2 run to push it back to 11, but Valley used a 10-0 run to close within 1. MNU went back up by 7, but Valley tied it with 8 minutes remaining. An 11-2 run finally gave the Pioneers an advantage they held to the end.

Turning Point
MNU closed the final 8 minutes with a 19-8 advantage.

Individual Leaders
Justin Randall had 16 points, 15 boards, and 2 blocks. Gabriel Jordan had 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in 23 minutes off the bench. Jonathan Green added 12 points off the bench. And Hudson Welty had 7 points and 11 rebounds.

Inside the Box Score
Both teams recorded 25 buckets, but MNU won the free throw battle 18-6. MNU dominated the glass, out-rebounding Valley 53-25.

News & Notes
- Justin Randall leads the NAIA with 2.7 blocks per game.
- Payne Andrus leads the Heart with 6.4 assists per game.

Up Next
The next game is Wednesday at #2 William Penn (20-3, 16-3) at 7:30.