The Basics
Score: MNU 82, Culver-Stockton 70
Records: MNU (25-3), C-SC (21-9)
Location: Olathe, Kan. – Cook Center
OLATHE, Kan. – MNU weathered a red-hot shooting performance from Culver-Stockton and used a dominant second half to pull away for an 82-70 victory in the Heart Tournament semifinals.
Culver-Stockton shot 61.5 percent in the first quarter and carried a 21-19 lead into the second. The Wildcats continued to connect from beyond the arc in the opening half, finishing 4-of-7 from three in the second quarter to build a 39-34 advantage at the break.
The momentum shifted in the third quarter. MNU outscored Culver-Stockton 23-16 in the period, turning a 5-point halftime deficit into a 57-55 lead entering the fourth. Zaylee Werth sparked the run with relentless effort on the offensive glass and key finishes in traffic, while Grace Carlson knocked down a pivotal three-pointer late in the quarter. Aubrey Rogers capped the 3rd with a buzzer-beating half-court heave give the Pioneers the lead.
In the 4th, MNU's physicality and poise took over. The Pioneers shot 63.6 percent in the final period and outscored the Wildcats 25-15. Mary Lukert buried a critical three with under three minutes remaining to extend the lead to 9, and MNU closed the game at the free-throw line. The Pioneers dominated inside all night, finishing with a 54-28 edge in points in the paint and a 35-20 rebounding advantage, including 21 second-chance points.
Green led the way with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Werth delivered a standout performance with 17 points, 13 rebounds (9 offensive), and 6 assists. Rogers added 17 points, including 3 three-pointers.
Turning Point
Aubrey Rogers' half court heave to end the 3rd quarter gave MNU the lead heading to the 4th.
Individual Leaders
Kameron Green: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists
Zaylee Werth: 17 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists
Aubrey Rogers: 17 points, 4 steals
Mary Lukert: 9 points, 4 assists
Grayson Gentile: 9 points
Up Next
The next game is the conference tournament championship at home vs. Benedictine on Tuesday at 7:00.
