The Basics
Score: MNU 70, Central Methodist 88
Record: MNU (4–3, 0–1), CMU (5–2, 1–0)
Location: Fayette, Mo. – Puckett Fieldhouse
FAYETTE, Mo. – MNU dropped its conference opener Saturday night, falling 88–70 at Central Methodist after struggling to contain one of the hottest shooting performances they've faced this season.
CMU shot 54.2% from the field and 52% from three, riding a 40–30 halftime lead into a decisive second half in which the Eagles continued to connect from deep. MNU trimmed the deficit to single digits early after the break, but a series of CMU runs—highlighted by timely threes and points off offensive rebounds—kept the Pioneers from climbing back into the game.
Uriah Boutte led MNU with 18 points, including 3 triples and a perfect 3-for-3 at the line. Malachi Bryant added 15 points and 2 steals, while Caden Kaberline posted a strong interior night with 8 points and a team-high 7 rebounds. Isaiah Cull contributed 6 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals, and Elliot Mogren and Mikai Blakeney combined for 15 points off the bench.
Turning Point
CMU's burst late in the first half—sparked by back-to-back threes and an 8–0 stretch—created a double-digit gap the Pioneers never erased.
Inside the Box Score
FG%: MNU 40.9%, CMU 54.2%
3-Point FG%: MNU 29.2%, CMU 52.0%
Rebounds: MNU 30, CMU 38
Turnovers: MNU 12, CMU 16
Bench Points: MNU 23, CMU 36
Individual Leaders
Uriah Boutte: 18 points
Malachi Bryant: 15 points, 2 steals
Caden Kaberline: 8 points, 7 rebounds
Mikai Blakeney: 7 points, 3 rebounds
Up Next
The next game is Wednesday at Benedictine (3-2, 1-0) at 7:30.
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