The Basics
Score: MNU 72 - Xavier 65
Record: MNU (25-5), UXLA (23-8)
Location: Rimrock Auto Arena - Billings, Mont.
BILLINGS, Mont. - MNU led big at halftime but had to fight off a hard-charging Xavier squad down the stretch in a 72-65 victory in the first round of the national tournament on Wednesday. The Pioneers started the game with a 14-2 run and used 62% shooting to lead 42-25 at halftime.
Kechelle Figueroa's 60-foot halftime buzzer-beater sent MNU to locker room up by 17.
Xavier came out in the second half with pressure defense and forced some turnovers to whittle the deficit down to 7 with a minute left in the 3rd. But a
Jayden Oliver 3-pointer and a
Jalynn Ervin bucket pushed MNU's advantage back to 12 heading to the 4th. The Pioneers led by 13 with 2 minutes left, but a handful of missed free throws kept Xavier within shouting distance. Finally MNU hit 4 straight free throws and Xavier ran out of time, sending MNU to the Sweet 16.
Turning Point
MNU's 14-2 run to start the game and 14-5 run to end the 3rd and start the 4th.
Individual Leaders
Kechelle Figueroa hit 4 threes for 17 points and 3 assists.
Whitney Moia shot 5-8 for 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. And
Jovana Jovovic added 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Inside the Box Score
MNU missed 16 free throws but held Xavier to 28% shooting.
News & Notes
This is MNU's 8th straight appearance at Nationals and 5th Sweet 16 in that time.
Up Next
The next game is Friday vs. #5 The Master's University (27-6) at 1:30 central.
