The Basics
Score: MNU 81, Baker 69
Record: MNU (11-10, 6-7), Baker (7-13, 5-7)
Location: Baldwin City, Kan. – Collins Center
BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – MNU used a red-hot second half to pull away from Baker on Wednesday night, earning an 81-69 road win. After taking a seven-point lead into the locker room, the Pioneers shot a blistering 68.2% in the second half to earn the win.
MNU led 36-29 at halftime behind the sharp shooting of Uriah Boutte, who knocked down 4 first-half threes. Early in the second half, Elliot Mogren added a pair of triples to push the lead into double digits. From there, the Pioneers maintained control, stretching the advantage to as many as 14 in the final minutes.
Malachi Bryant paced the offense with 25 points and 9 assists, including a dagger three with under a minute left to push the lead to 12. Landon Wagler added 14 points, including a pair of clutch free throws and a late triple to hold off any Baker rally.
Turning Point
Back-to-back threes by Elliot Mogren early in the second half turned a 7-point lead into a double-digit cushion, swinging the momentum permanently in MNU's favor.
Inside the Box Score
FG%: MNU 51.8%, Baker 41.3%
3-Point FG%: MNU 44.8%, Baker 25.0%
Free Throws: MNU 58.8%, Baker 54.5%
Rebounds: MNU 39, Baker 34
Turnovers: MNU 16, Baker 11
Points off Turnovers: Baker 14, MNU 8
Points in the Paint: Baker 40, MNU 24
Fast Break Points: MNU 12, Baker 8
Individual Leaders
Malachi Bryant: 25 points, 9 assists
Uriah Boutte: 14 points (4-7 3PT), 2 steals
Landon Wagler: 14 points, 6 rebounds
Isaiah Cull: 7 points, 11 rebounds
Mikai Blakeney: 10 points (4-4 FG)
Elliot Mogren: 6 points (2-4 3PT), 5 rebounds
Up Next
The next game is Saturday at home vs. Missouri Baptist (14-7, 8-5) at 4:00.
