Pioneers Run Away in 4th vs. Graceland

The Basics
Score: MNU 87 - Graceland 76
Record: MNU (20-7, 17-5), GU (9-19, 4-18)
Location: Cook Center - Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan. – Key three pointers down the stretch help the Pioneers beat the Yellowjackets 87-76 on Saturday. MNU won the 1st quarter 16-12, but Graceland overcame an 11-point deficit in the 2nd quarter to take a 3-point lead into halftime. Near the end of the 3rd quarter, Graceland led 55-49. But the Pioneers closed with an 11-2 run to take a 3-point lead into the 4th. The Pioneers and Yellowjacks would go back and forth in the beginning of the fourth quarter, but big three-pointers from TrEl'Shawn Smith and Jordynn Gonzalez would help extend the lead to 6 with 5 minutes remaining. Back to back three pointers from Gonzalez and Arielle Sargent would extend the lead even more for the Pioneers, 78-69 with 3 minutes left in the game. Another huge three pointer from Gonzalez and free throws from Smith extended the lead into double figures, and MNU won by 11.
 
Turning Point
The Pioneers outscored the Yellowjackets 27-19 in the fourth quarter.
 
Inside the Box Score
MNU shot 50% from the field.
 
Individual Leaders
TrEl'Shawn Smith had 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jordynn Gonzalez added 19 points and 5 assists. Vanda Cuamba had 11 points and 6 rebounds. And Rachel Seibold had 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
 
Up Next
The 3-seed Pioneers will host a first round Heart of America Conference tournament game on Wednesday vs. 6-seed Missouri Valley (16-12, 12-10) at 7:00.