The Basics
Score: MNU 80 - Baker 75
Record: MNU (14-4, 9-3), BU (13-4, 8-3)
Location: Cook Center - Olathe, Kan.
OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers used a late comeback to beat Baker 80-75 on Monday. This fast-paced rivalry game started off just as expected. Through the first five minutes of the first half, the game was evenly matched with MNU having the lead 10-9 after 5 minutes of play. After some tough buckets from
Brooks Langrehr, a three pointer from
Ed Wright, and a free throw from
Kobe Reese, MNU took a 22-17 lead into the media timeout with 9:07 left in the first half. After the break, the Wildcats went on a 9-0 run and took a 26-22 lead with 6:45 left in the first half. After a Coach Hepker timeout, the Pioneers took back the lead 31-29 with three pointers from
Jonel Aponte,
Ed Wright, and
Mekhi Elmore. More fast-paced play finished off the first half and closing free throws from
Mekhi Elmore and a long range two pointer from
Jonel Aponte extended the Pioneer lead at the break 45-37.
Ed Wright led the way at halftime with 15 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds.
Jonel Aponte also had 10 points of his own going into the break.
The second half started just as explosive as the first with the Wildcats closing the distance to make it 51-48 with 15 and a half minutes left in the second half. The Wildcats continued to outscore the Pioneers and took a 1-point lead with 12:32 left in the second half. After a big three pointer and slam by
Anthony Brown, the Pioneers retook the lead 60-56 with 10:24 left in the second half. But shooting woes and turnovers forced Coach Hepker to call a timeout with 5:59 left to play and the Pioneers trailing 67-62. MNU went on a 9-4 run to tie the game with 2:51 left to play, and a huge three-point play from
Mekhi Elmore gave the Pioneers a 75-73 lead with just a 1-minute remaining. Good defense from the Pioneers led to a Wildcat miss, and a clutch three pointer from
Mekhi Elmore extended the Pioneer lead to 78-73 with 17 seconds left in the game. The teams matched free throws in the final seconds, and the Pioneers were able to hold off the Wildcats to seal the win.
Turning Point
With 1 minute left and Baker up by 1, a Jones-McCrary steal and Elmore And-1 turned a deficit into a lead.
Inside the Box Score
MNU out-rebounded Baker by 9.
Individual Leaders
Ed Wright led the Pioneers with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Mekhi Elmore added 17 points and 3 blocks.
Caleb Jones-McCrary had 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Jonel Aponte finished with 10 points off the bench. And
Anthony Brown had 9 points and 9 rebounds in limited action due to foul trouble.
Up Next
The next game is Thursday at Central Methodist (8-9, 5-6) at 7:30.
