The Basics
Score: MNU 89 – Mission 75
Record: MNU (1-0), Mission (0-1)
Location: Springfield, Mo. - W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – MNU opened the 2026-27 men's basketball season with an 89-75 victory at Mission on Saturday. The Pioneers shot 53.4% from the field, placed 4 players in double figures, and led from start to finish to begin the season 1-0.

Malachi Bryant and Caleb Barrett led MNU with 18 points apiece, while Joe Buchanan added 16 points and 8 rebounds. Mikai Blakeney contributed 11 points as the Pioneers scored 48 points in the paint and received 32 points from their bench.

MNU established control early. Blakeney scored the game's first 3 points, and Isaiah Cull and Xon Williams helped the Pioneers build a 9-4 advantage. Williams continued to attack the basket, scoring 8 points in the opening half.

A 3-pointer from Buchanan extended the lead to 20-10 midway through the half, but Mission responded with a 7-0 run to cut the margin to 20-17 with 8:46 remaining.

Bryant stopped the run with a 3-pointer, beginning a stretch of 7 consecutive MNU points.

The Pioneers continued to pull away, reaching their largest first-half lead at 39-25 on a Barrett layup with 3:31 remaining. Mission cut the deficit to 8 before MNU closed the half with baskets from Jadyn Haney and Bryant to take a 43-31 lead into the break.

MNU's defense played a major role in building that advantage. The Pioneers forced 13 first-half turnovers and recorded 7 steals while holding Mission to 34.6% shooting.

The Pioneers came out aggressively in the second half. Buchanan connected from beyond the arc, Cull scored twice inside, and MNU continued to stretch its advantage.

With 15:10 remaining, MNU held its largest lead of the game at 62-41.

Mission battled back as the half progressed, eventually cutting the margin to 11 points at 80-69 with just over 6 minutes remaining. Barrett answered with a 3-pointer to restore a 14-point cushion.

The home team made another push, trimming the lead to 10 points at 83-73 with 3:36 remaining. Buchanan responded with a basket, and Blakeney and Bryant added late scores to secure the 89-75 victory.

MNU shot 20-of-33 (60.6%) in the second half. The Pioneers also forced 19 turnovers.

Turning Point
After Mission cut MNU's first-half lead to 20-17, Bryant sparked a 7-0 run and the Pioneers maintained a comfortable advantage for the remainder of the game.

Individual Leaders
Malachi Bryant: 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Caleb Barrett: 18 points
Joe Buchanan: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals
Mikai Blakeney: 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Xon Williams: 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
Isaiah Cull: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
Jadyn Haney: 4 points, 6 assists, 2 steals

Up Next
The next game is the home opener on Tuesday, November 3 vs. Kansas Wesleyan at 7:00.