The Basics
Score: MNU 74 - Evangel 73
Record: MNU (16-3, 16-2), EU (13-9, 11-8)
Location: Ashcroft Center - Springfield, Mo.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The Pioneers are champions of the Heart for the first time since the 2014-15 season as they won 74-73 in overtime at Evangel on Saturday. The game was tight throughout as neither team could gain much of a foothold. The defenses were stout, forcing 47 combined turnovers. The Crusaders led by 1 after the 1st quarter, then closed the 2nd on a 9-2 run to take a 7-point lead to the locker room. MNU took their biggest lead of the game - just 4 points - in the 3rd quarter, before Evangel again closed strongly to take a 3-point lead heading to the 4th. Evangel took a 7-point lead with 6 minutes remaining, and it appeared that MNU would have to settle for 2nd place in the overall Heart standings. But the Pioneer defense locked down for 4 minutes, and the offense finally started to click. Buckets by
Mackenzie Loe and
Megan Scott cut the deficit to 2, then back-to-back steals from
TrEl'Shawn Smith and Loe led to fast break layups for
Jordynn Gonzalez and Smith to give MNU a 3-point lead. Evangel buried a 3 to tie the game with 90 seconds left, and neither team scored again to send it into overtime. Evangel was able to build a 4-point lead with 1:48 remaining, but Gonzalez nailed a 3 to close the gap. Scott hit a bucket to give MNU a 1-point lead, but the Crusaders hit 2 free throws to regain the lead with 20 seconds left.
Megan Scott split two defenders for a layup and the lead with 4 seconds left, and the Pioneer defense thwarted Evangel's final attempt to clinch the title.
Turning Point
Megan Scott's final bucket was the difference.
Individual Leaders
Mackenzie Loe had 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.
Anna Roulston shot 6-9 for 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 steals in 24 minutes off the bench.
TrEl'Shawn Smith added 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Megan Scott had 10 points and 9 rebounds. And
Arielle Sargent had 7 rebounds and 6 assists.
Inside the Box Score
The Pioneers never led by more than 4.
Up Next
The next game is Wednesday at home vs. Mt. Mercy in the Heart Tourney Quarterfinals (7-12, 7-11) at 7:00.
