Pioneers Fall in Semis

The Basics
Score: MNU 61 - Clarke 67
Record: MNU (18-11), CU (28-4)
Location: Kehl Center - Dubuque, Iowa

DUBUQUE, Iowa - MNU kept it close but couldn't pull off the upset victory at #14 Clarke in the Heart Tourney Semifinals on Saturday. The season doesn't necessarily come to a close, as MNU hopes to get a bid to Nationals. The Pioneers await an at-large bid, announced Thursday, March 3 at 6pm.

The Pioneers started well, winning the first quarter 21-13. But the offense stalled in the second and third quarters, as MNU managed just 18 points on 4 made field goals. Clarke led 42-39 heading to the fourth quarter, but an 8-2 run put them up by 10 with 7 minutes left. MNU fought back, and a 7-0 run got them within 2 with 4 minutes remaining. In the final minute, a 3-point play by Clarke put them up by 6, and the Pioneers couldn't come back.

Turning Point
Clarke's 3-point play in the final minute put the game out of reach.

Individual Leaders
Lydia Ostenson led the offense with 15 points and 2 steals. Megan Scott had 11 points and 12 rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench. TrEl'Shawn Smith added 10 points and 2 steals. And Makayla Gooch had 8 points and 5 assists.

Inside the Box Score
MNU shot just 4-21 in the middle quarters.

Up Next
The Pioneers await an at-large bid to Nationals, announced Thursday, March 3 at 6pm.