Pioneers Advance to Semis

The Basics
Score: MNU 64, Clarke 48
Record: MNU (27-2), Clarke (11-18)
Location: Cook Center – Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan. – The #10-ranked Pioneers extended their dominant season with a 64-48 victory over Clarke in the Heart of America Conference Tournament Quarterfinals. MNU started slowly, recording their first field goal at the 5:27 mark of the 1st quarter. But Clarke started even slower, and a Mary Lukert 7-0 burst gave the Pioneers an 8-3 lead and sparked an 18-6 opening period.

MNU took a 36-17 lead to halftime, and pushed the advantage to 23 before cruising to the finish. The Pioneers' defense forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 17 points, while also outscoring Clarke 48-26 in the paint.

Turning Point
The Pioneers jumped out to an 18-6 first-quarter lead, setting the stage for a wire-to-wire victory.

Inside the Box Score

• MNU shot 34.2% from the field, compared to Clarke's 28.8%.
• MNU's defense forced 17 turnovers while committing just 8.
• The Pioneers held Clarke to just 4-of-17 shooting from beyond the arc.

Individual Leaders

• Kameron Green: 12 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
• Mary Lukert: 11 points, 10 rebounds
• Zaylee Werth: 9 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
• Keona Schenck: 10 points, 2 steals
• Trinity McDow: 8 points, 7 rebounds

Up Next
The next game is the Conference Tournament Semifinals at home vs. 5-seed Mt. Mercy on Friday at 7:00.