The Basics
Score: MNU 64 - Central Methodist 61
Record: MNU (14-2, 11-1), CMU (11-6, 7-4)
Location: Bell Family Arena - Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. -
Anna Roulston and
Jayden Oliver hit 4 free throws in the final seconds to give MNU a 64-61 win over #23 Central Methodist on Thursday. The Pioneers started cold, and used as many timeouts as they had points scored in the opening 7 minutes as the Eagles led 15-2. MNU rallied to score the next 9 straight to get back into the game, and took a 2-point lead into halftime. CMU started the 2nd half hot again to build a 9-point lead, but
Jovana Jovovic took over the next few minutes with 8 points, 2 assists, and a blocked shot to help the Pioneers tied the game heading to the 4th quarter. Trailing by 3 with 4 minutes left,
Anna Roulston made back-to-back buckets to give MNU a 1-point lead, but the Eagles buried a 3 to take the lead back. A free throw got MNU closer, and an Eagle turnover with 20 seconds left set up the Pioneers.
Anna Roulston was fouled with 6 seconds left and knocked down both free throws to give MNU a 1-point lead. On the ensuing Eagle possession,
Jayden Oliver stole the ball and got fouled. She calmly nailed 2 more from the line to take a 3-point lead, then blocked the final desperation 3-pointer to seal it.
Turning Point
Roulston's free throws with 6 seconds left turned the deficit into a lead.
Individual Leaders
Jovana Jovovic had 23 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks.
Anna Roulston had 16 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.
Kechelle Figueroa had 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. And
Whitney Moia had 13 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Inside the Box Score
MNU had 3 players with double digit rebounds.
Up Next
The next game is Wednesday at Graceland (11-7, 5-7) at 5:30.
