The Basics
Score: MNU 67, Benedictine 46
Records: MNU (23-3, 19-1), Benedictine (22-6, 18-2)
Location: Olathe, Kan. – Cook Center
OLATHE, Kan. – # 10 MNU left no doubt Saturday evening, securing its second straight conference championship with a commanding 67-46 victory over Benedictine. In a winner-take-all matchup between the league's top two teams, the Pioneers used a blistering start and relentless perimeter shooting to separate early and never allow the Ravens back within striking distance.
The Pioneers set the tone from the opening tip. After a brief 2-2 tie, MNU found its rhythm from beyond the arc. Mary Lukert knocked down a three to ignite the offense, and Aubrey Rogers followed with a pair of triples during a decisive first-quarter surge. Grace Carlson added a three of her own as MNU closed the opening period on a 16-4 run to take a 21-12 lead.
The momentum carried into the second quarter. After Benedictine trimmed the margin to one midway through the period, MNU responded with poise. Carlson drilled a three to regain control, Grayson Gentile added another from deep, and Rogers buried a triple late in the half. Kameron Green capped the quarter with a three-pointer in the final minute, sending the Pioneers into halftime with a 37-25 advantage.
Out of the break, MNU delivered the knockout punch. Green scored on consecutive possessions to open the third quarter, and Lukert followed with a midrange bucket to extend the lead to 43-28. Rogers and Carlson continued the barrage from long range, and by the end of the third quarter the Pioneers had stretched the margin to 57-36. MNU shot 61.5 percent in the third and 80 percent from three in the period, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Defensively, the Pioneers were just as sharp. MNU forced 24 turnovers and converted them into 24 points, while holding Benedictine to 36 percent shooting and just 3-of-20 from beyond the arc. The Ravens never scored more than 13 points in any quarter.
Rogers led the way with 22 points, knocking down 6 three-pointers while adding 5 assists and 4 steals. Carlson contributed 14 points and 4 assists, and Green filled the stat sheet with 13 points, 6 assists, 5 blocks, and 6 steals.Â
Game Turning Point
With Benedictine closing within one in the second quarter, MNU answered with a 16-4 run, turning a tight contest into a double-digit halftime lead.
Individual Leaders
Aubrey Rogers: 22 points, 5 assists, 4 steals
Grace Carlson: 14 points, 4 assists, 3 steals
Kameron Green: 13 points, 6 assists, 6 steals, 5 blocks
Up Next
The next game is the quarterfinals of the conference tournament at home on Wednesday vs. 8-seed Central Methodist (15-13, 10-10) at 7:00.
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