Pioneers Win OT Thriller at Benedictine

The Basics
Score: MNU 80, Benedictine 77 (OT)
Record: MNU (6–1, 3–0), Benedictine (4–3, 1–1)
Location: Atchison, Kan. – Nolan Gymnasium

ATCHISON, Kan. – MNU survived a big comeback and outlasted Benedictine 80–77 in overtime Wednesday night, grinding out a big road conference win.

The Pioneers led by as many as 16 in the second quarter and carried a 39–28 advantage into halftime, but Benedictine stormed back with a 22–11 third quarter to seize momentum. MNU steadied itself late in regulation, forcing overtime on a defensive stand in the final seconds, then opened the extra period with Zaylee Werth's bucket to regain control.

From there, MNU answered every Ravens push. Werth and Kameron Green combined for six points in overtime, and after a series of tense possessions, Aubrey Rogers hit a go-ahead free throw with 11 seconds remaining. Rogers' defense delivered the final stop, sealing the Pioneers' third straight conference win.

Green delivered a dominant two-way performance, scoring 16 points (7-15 FG) while adding 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and a pair of blocks. Grace Carlson poured in 16 points and knocked down 4 threes, including back-to-back triples in the fourth quarter that erased a deficit and reignited the MNU offense. Rogers filled the stat sheet with 11 points, 7 boards, and 5 assists across 45 minutes, and Mary Lukert added 8 points while hitting two early threes during MNU's strong second-quarter surge.

Werth finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds while repeatedly delivering in crucial moments—scoring or assisting on six of MNU's 11 overtime points.

Turning Point
Grace Carlson's consecutive threes midway through the fourth quarter—first at 6:23, then again at 5:44—helped erase a 6-point deficit.

Inside the Box Score
FG%: MNU 48.4%, Benedictine 41.1%
3-Point FG%: MNU 36.0%, Benedictine 38.1%
Rebounds: MNU 39, Benedictine 42
Turnovers: MNU 15, Benedictine 10
Points in the Paint: MNU 34, Benedictine 42
Bench Points: MNU 8, Benedictine 25

Individual Leaders
Zaylee Werth: 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 assists
Kameron Green: 16 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds
Grace Carlson: 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 threes
Aubrey Rogers: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals

Up Next
The next game is Saturday at home vs. Mt. Mercy (4-3, 1-0) at 12:00.