Pioneers Fall to Peru

The Basics
Score: Peru State 68, MNU 66
Record: MNU (13-14, 8-11), Peru State (15-11, 11-8)
Location: Olathe, Kan. - Cook Center

OLATHE, Kan. – A late push came up just short for MNU on Wednesday night as Peru State escaped with a 68-66 victory.

Trailing by 5 at halftime, the Pioneers battled throughout the second half and had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final seconds. Despite forcing 14 turnovers and turning them into 20 points, MNU was unable to overcome Peru State's 56.5 percent shooting from the field. The game was tied with 11 minutes remaining when MNU hit back-to-back buckets to take a 4-point lead. But the Bobcats responded with a 10-0 run to take a 6-point lead, and the late Pioneer comeback came up just short.

Malachi Bryant led the way for MNU with 19 points. Landon Wagler contributed 16 points, knocking down a pair of three-pointers and going 4-of-4 from the line. And Isaiah Cull added 10 points and a team-high 6 rebounds.

Turning Point
Peru's 10-0 run late in the 2nd half turned a 4-point MNU lead into a 6-point deficit.

Inside the Box Score
FG%: MNU 50.0%, Peru State 56.5%
3-Point FG%: MNU 31.3% (5-16), Peru State 41.7% (5-12)
Free Throws: MNU 61.1% (11-18), Peru State 84.6% (11-13)
Rebounds: Peru State 27, MNU 21
Points in the Paint: Peru State 45, MNU 44
Points off Turnovers: MNU 20, Peru State 6
Second-Chance Points: MNU 12, Peru State 9
Bench Points: Peru State 22, MNU 13

Individual Leaders
Malachi Bryant: 19 points, 2 steals
Landon Wagler: 16 points
Isaiah Cull: 10 points, 6 rebounds

Up Next
The next game is Senior Day on Saturday at home vs. Benedictine at 7:00.