Pioneers Survive at Valley

The Basics
Score: MNU 65, Missouri Valley 63
Record: MNU (5-6, 4-4), MVC (2-7, 1-5)
Location: Burns Athletic Complex – Marshall, Mo.

MARSHALL, Mo. – MNU narrowly edged out Missouri Valley with a clutch jumper in the final seconds to seal a 65-63 victory on Wednesday. The Pioneers came out scorching, and led 24-6 after 7 minutes of play. The Vikings clawed their way back into the game, finally tying the score at 50 in the second half. The score was close in the final minutes, and the teams traded desperate possessions down the stretch. Malachi Bryant led the Pioneers with 17 points, including the game-winning shot with 12 seconds left. MNU's defense held strong in the final moments, forcing a contested three-pointer that missed as time expired.

Turning Point
The decisive moment came in the game's closing seconds when Bryant's jumper from the wing broke the 63-63 tie, capping a back-and-forth second half.

Inside the Box Score

• MNU Shooting: 40.4% from the field, including 30.8% from beyond the arc
• Missouri Valley Shooting: 36.1% overall and 21.7% from three-point range
• MNU edged MVC on the boards, with a 42-40 rebounding advantage
• Both teams recorded 15 assists

Individual Leaders

• Malachi Bryant: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, including the game-winner
• Brooks Langrehr: 14 points (4-8 from three), 4 rebounds
• Gary Clay: 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
• Gerard Bosch: 8 points, 16 rebounds

Up Next
The next game is Saturday at home vs. Benedictine at 4:00.