Pioneers Advance to Final

The Basics
Score: MNU 85, Mt. Mercy 71
Record: MNU (28-2), Mt. Mercy (17-12)
Location: Cook Center – Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan. – The Pioneers continued their dominant run with an 85-71 victory over Mt. Mercy in the Heart of America Conference Tournament Semifinals. MNU established early control with a strong first half, leading 47-32 at the break, highlighted by 16 points from Keona Schenck. Despite a push from the visitors in the third quarter, the Pioneers sealed the game with a 23-point fourth quarter, led by Zaylee Werth, to advance to the championship game.

MNU's offense clicked efficiently, shooting 50% from the field and capitalizing on 18 points off turnovers. The Pioneers' defense forced 11 turnovers while committing only 5.

Turning Point
A 23-14 second quarter by the Pioneers extended their lead to double digits, setting the stage for a comfortable finish.

Inside the Box Score

• MNU shot 50.0% from the field
• MNU outscored Mt. Mercy 61-48 in the paint.
• The Pioneers made 17-of-20 free throws, an 85% clip

Individual Leaders

• Zaylee Werth: 21 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists
• Keona Schenck: 20 points, 3 assists, 2 steals
• Aubrey Rogers: 14 points, 5 assists, 3 steals
• Grace Carlson: 9 points, 6 rebounds
• Kameron Green: 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists

Up Next
The next game is the Heart of America Conference Tournament Championship at home vs. 3-seed Benedictine (23-7) on Monday at 7:00.