The Basics
Score: MNU 93, Peru State 64
Records: MNU (22-3, 18-1), Peru State (14-12, 11-8)
Location: Olathe, Kan. - Cook Center
OLATHE, Kan. – #10 MNU delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Wednesday night, pulling away from Peru State for a 93-64 victory at home. After a tight first quarter, the Pioneers seized control in the second and never looked back, shooting 56.1 percent from the field and dominating in the paint.
Peru State came out firing, shooting 62.5 percent in the opening quarter and knocking down 3 early triples to keep pace. MNU countered behind Kameron Green and Mary Lukert, who combined for 12 first-quarter points as the Pioneers took a narrow 25-23 lead after one.
The game shifted decisively in the second quarter. MNU limited Peru State to just 2-of-10 shooting in the period and turned defensive stops into transition opportunities. MNU pushed the margin into double digits. By halftime, the Pioneers had stretched the lead to 47-33.
Out of the break, MNU put the game out of reach with a 25-point third quarter, extending the lead to 72-46 entering the fourth. MNU shot 56.3 percent in the third and continued to capitalize off turnovers, finishing with 21 points off giveaways.
Green led the charge offensively with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting, while Lukert added 17 and Carlson chipped in 16. Rogers filled the stat sheet with 10 points and 5 assists, and Mackenzie Manthe provided 9 off the bench. As a team, MNU went 21-of-25 at the free-throw line and held a 60-37 advantage in points in the paint.
Game Turning Point
MNU's defensive surge in the second quarter, holding Peru State to 20 percent shooting, sparked a 22-point period that turned a 2-point edge into a double-digit halftime lead.
Individual Leaders
Kameron Green: 21 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
Mary Lukert: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Grace Carlson: 16 points, 3 assists
Aubrey Rogers: 10 points, 5 assists, 4 steals
Zaylee Werth: 9 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
Mackenzie Manthe: 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Up Next
The next game is Senior Night at home on Saturday vs. Benedictine (22-5, 18-1) at 5:00. The winner claims the conference title. Both teams are 18-1 in the conference and are riding 13-game win streaks.
