The Basics
Score: MNU 76, Kansas Wesleyan 77
Record: MNU (4–2), KWU (2–3)
Location: Salina, Kan. – Mabee Arena
SALINA, Kan. – MNU came up just short Monday night, falling 77–76 to Kansas Wesleyan in a game that went down to the final seconds at Mabee Arena.
Trailing by seven at halftime, the Pioneers roared back behind hot second-half shooting and a deep bench effort that nearly carried them to a comeback win. MNU shot 50% from the floor and 55.6% from three after the break, erasing most of the Coyotes' 44–37 halftime lead before falling just one point shy.
MNU led by 1 with 6:45 remaining, but KWU went on a 12-5 run to take a 6-point lead. Boutte hit a 3 to cut the deficit in half, then scored a layup with 10 seconds left to close the gap to 1. KWU missed a free throw with 5 seconds left to give the Pioneers one more chance, but MNU couldn't get a shot off and fell by the slim margin.
Uriah Boutte led MNU with 16 points, including 4 triples, while Malachi Bryant added 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Isaiah Cull scored 12 points and grabbed 3 boards, and Caden Kaberline chipped in 7 points and 5 rebounds. Off the bench, Mikai Blakeney provided a strong spark with 8 points, and the reserves combined for 35 of MNU's 76 points.
Turning Point
KWU's late 12-5 run turned a deficit into a lead.
Inside the Box Score
FG%: MNU 42.6%, KWU 51.9%
3-Point FG%: MNU 41.7%, KWU 33.3%
Rebounds: MNU 34, KWU 32
Turnovers: MNU 6, KWU 8
Bench Points: MNU 35, KWU 17
Individual Leaders
Uriah Boutte: 16 points
Malachi Bryant: 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
Isaiah Cull: 12 points, 3 rebounds
Up Next
The next game starts conference play at Central Methodist (4-2) on Saturday at 7:30.
