Pioneers Fall in OT

The Basics
Score: MNU 73 - Missouri Valley 76
Record: MNU (8-9, 5-4), MVC (11-8, 5-5)
Location: Burns Athletics Center - Marshall, Mo.

MARSHALL, Mo. - The Pioneers lost to Missouri Valley for the first time since 2008 on Wednesday. MNU scored first and held a 9-point lead at halftime, but the Vikings slowly chipped away in the second half. The Pioneers led by 5 with 5:30 remaining, but would not score again in regulation. Valley hit a 3 with 2:40 left, then tied it with 1:49 on the clock. Neither team could find a bucket in the closing minutes, and the game went into overtime. Megan Scott scored on each of MNU's first two OT possessions for a 4-point lead, but Valley went on a 6-0 run to take their first lead of the game. The Vikings hit their free throws down the stretch, and MNU lost by 3.

Turning Point
Valley's 6-0 run in overtime put them in the lead for good.

Individual Leaders
Makayla Gooch hit a career-high six 3s for 20 points, a career-high 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. TrEl'Shawn Smith had 19 points and 7 rebounds. And Megan Scott added 16 points and 8 rebounds.

Inside the Box Score
MNU won the turnover battle 16-14, but Valley out-scored MNU 14-7 in points off turnovers.

Up Next
The next game is Saturday at home vs. Peru State (8-9, 3-5) at 2:00.