The Basics
Score: MNU 84, Central Baptist 71
Record: MNU (7–4), Central Baptist (3–7)
Location: Conway, Ark. – Reddin Fieldhouse
CONWAY, Ark. – MNU exploded out of the gates with a dominant first-half performance and never trailed, powering past Central Baptist 84–71 on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers shot a blistering 56.4% from the field and buried 12 threes while leading by as many as 19 to secure their 7th win of the season.
MNU's defensive pressure set the tone early, forcing turnovers on CBC's first two possessions and turning them into quick buckets from Uriah Boutte and Malachi Bryant. From there, the Pioneers' offense caught fire. Boutte knocked down 3 triples in the opening 12 minutes and Bryant added 2 more. The Pioneers shot 55% in the first half and hit 8 threes to take a 47–33 advantage into the break.
CBC pushed briefly in the second half, trimming the margin to single digits at 52–43 with 16 minutes left, but MNU responded immediately. Caden Kaberline converted an and-one, and the Pioneers re-established a double-digit lead they would hold the rest of the way. Down the stretch, the MNU offense kept the Mustangs at arm's length.
Boutte led the Pioneers with 20 points and 3 steals, while Bryant added 16 on 6–9 shooting. Kaberline anchored the interior with 10 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, and Wagler chipped in 14 points on an efficient 5–9 afternoon.
Despite committing 20 turnovers, MNU dominated the glass 43–34, controlled the pace, and held CBC to just 19.2% from deep—never surrendering the lead in a wire-to-wire victory.
Turning Point
MNU's early burst set the tone.
Inside the Box Score
FG%: MNU 56.4%, CBC 38.9%
3-Point FG%: MNU 42.9%, CBC 19.2%
Rebounds: MNU 43, CBC 34
Turnovers: MNU 20, CBC 11
Points in the Paint: CBC 46, MNU 32
Bench Points: MNU 34, CBC 23
Largest Lead: MNU by 19
Individual Leaders
Uriah Boutte: 20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals
Malachi Bryant: 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Caden Kaberline: 10 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists
Landon Wagler: 14 points, 4 rebounds
Isaiah Cull: 4 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Up Next
The next game is Wednesday at Park (4-6, 2-1) at 7:30.
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