First Half Blitz Leads MNU over Baker

The Basics
Score: MNU 87 - Baker 66
Record: MNU (12-5, 9-3), BU (8-8, 4-7)
Location: Cook Center - Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan. - MNU scored 54 points in the first half en route to an 87-66 victory over Baker on Monday. The game started off even through the first four minutes of the game, but a three pointer from Jordynn Gonzalez gave the Pioneers their first lead of the game four minutes into the contest. The Pioneers held the lead until the Wildcats tied the game with a minute and a half left in the first quarter, but a momentum swinging three-point play by Vanda Cuamba gave the Pioneers the lead again and they never looked back. Bonus free throws from Aubrey Rogers extended the Pioneer lead to 4 at the end of the first.

The Pioneers started the second quarter hot by going on a 11-0 run. The Wildcats made their first basket three and a half minutes into the second quarter to give the Pioneers a 15-point lead at 33-18. MNU continued great shooting and defense to outscore the Wildcats 32-11 in the second quarter and had a 54-29 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Pioneers struggled to find a basket and the Wildcats took advantage by going on an 8-0 run to start the third quarter. The Pioneers found their first basket nearly five minutes into the third quarter from a rebounded layup by Mackenzie Manthe. Bonus free throws and a few layups from the Pioneers led to an 8-0 run of their own, making the game 62-37 with two and a half minutes left in the third quarter. A free throw from both teams and a couple baskets from the Wildcats concluded the third quarter with the score MNU 63 and Baker 42.

The Wildcats and Pioneers were evenly matched in the fourth quarter as both teams scored 24, and MNU won 87-66.

Turning Point
MNU won the 2nd quarter 32-11 to blow the game open.

Inside the Box Score
The Pioneers shot 48% from the field, 47% beyond the arc, and 72% from the line.

Individual Leaders
Jordynn Gonzalez led the way with 18 points and 4 assists. Allison French added 15 points of her own. TrEl'Shawn Smith and Vanda Cuamba added 13 points apiece. And Arielle Sargent had  8 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Up Next
The next game is Thursday at #2 Central Methodist (17-0, 11-0) at 5:30.