Pioneers Fall at Penn

The Basics
Score: William Penn 93, MNU 87
Record: MNU (13-13, 8-10), William Penn (20-6, 14-4)
Location: Oskaloosa, Iowa – Penn Gymnasium

OSKALOOSA, Iowa – A blistering first half from William Penn proved too much for MNU to overcome in a 93-87 road setback.

The Pioneers shot 44.3 percent from the field and knocked down 11 three-pointers, while finishing with 19 assists and a 24-2 edge in second-chance points. However, the Statesmen's 48-point first half and 56% percent shooting after the break allowed the hosts to maintain control down the stretch.

MNU placed five players in double figures, led by Malachi Bryant's 14 points and six assists. Landon Wagler added 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc, while Caden Kaberline recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, including eight offensive boards. Isaiah Cull chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds, and Kobe Nunes provided a spark off the bench with eight points.

Turning Point
Trailing 48-34 at halftime, MNU battled back in the second half behind timely three-point shooting from Bryant and Wagler, trimming the deficit to single digits on multiple occasions. But each push was answered by William Penn, which shot 56.0 percent in the second half and hit 57.1 percent from three after the break to keep the Pioneers at arm's length.

Inside the Box Score
FG%: MNU 44.3%, William Penn 61.8%
3-Point FG%: MNU 36.7% (11-30), William Penn 47.4% (2nd half)
Free Throws: MNU 75.0% (6-8), William Penn 66.7% (2nd half)
Rebounds: MNU 40, William Penn 29
Points in the Paint: 44-44
Second-Chance Points: MNU 24, William Penn 2
Bench Points: MNU 32, William Penn 25

Individual Leaders
Malachi Bryant: 14 points, 6 assists
Caden Kaberline: 12 points, 12 rebounds
Landon Wagler: 12 points (4-6 3PT)
Isaiah Cull: 10 points, 7 rebounds

Up Next
The next game is Wednesday at home vs. Peru State at 7:30.