The Basics
Score: MNU 69 – St. Mary 54
Records: MNU (27-3), St. Mary (20-11)
Location: Olathe, Kan. – Cook Center
OLATHE, Kan. – #10 MNU advanced to the 2nd Round of the NAIA National Tournament with a 69-54 victory over the University of St. Mary on Friday.
The Pioneers held a narrow edge early in the contest. After St. Mary briefly grabbed the lead midway through the opening quarter, MNU responded with a late three-pointer from Mary Lukert to take a 17-16 advantage into the 2nd period.
MNU gradually created some separation in the 2nd quarter with a 15-11 spread, and the momentum continued in the 3rd quarter as MNU stretched the lead into double digits.
In the 4th quarter, the Pioneers pulled away for good. An early bucket put MNU up by 10, and the lead stretched as high as 18 before the final buzzer.
MNU dominated the glass throughout the night, outrebounding St. Mary 52-29 and holding a 47-35 advantage in points in the paint. The Pioneers also recorded 19 assists on 24 made field goals.
Turning Point
MNU's 3rd-quarter surge put MNU up by 10.
Individual Leaders
Kameron Green: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists
Zaylee Werth: 11 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 blocks
Mary Lukert: 10 points, 5 rebounds
Aubrey Rogers: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
Grayson Gentile: 8 points, 11 rebounds
Up Next
The next game is Saturday at home vs. Olivet Nazarene at 6:00. The winner advances to the Final Site in Sioux City, Iowa.
