Pioneers Advance to Final Site

The Basics
Score: MNU 77 – Olivet Nazarene 63
Records: MNU (28-3), Olivet Nazarene (26-7)
Location: Olathe, Kan. – Cook Center

OLATHE, Kan. – #10 MNU advanced to the Final Site of the NAIA National Tournament with a 77-63 victory over Olivet Nazarene on Saturday night. The key to the game was going to be whether or not MNU could handle the relentless full court press and constant line changes from their sister school. The Tigers averaged 92.5 points per game, and their lowest total of the season was 73.

The Pioneers battled through a tightly contested opening quarter. Kameron Green helped set the tone early with multiple inside buckets after press breaks, but Olivet Nazarene answered down the stretch to tie the game at 21-21 heading into the 2nd quarter.

MNU gained control in the 2nd period. Grace Carlson knocked down a three-pointer midway through the quarter and Mackenzie Manthe added a key three-point play as the Pioneers steadily built separation. MNU outscored Olivet Nazarene 21-14 in the quarter to take a 42-35 lead into halftime.

The Pioneers took command in the 3rd quarter. MNU's defense forced turnovers and limited Olivet Nazarene's offense to just 8 points in the period while the Pioneers continued to attack inside. A late three-pointer from Aubrey Rogers (her 1000th career point) pushed the lead to 58-43 heading into the final quarter.

In the 4th quarter, MNU maintained control and never allowed Olivet Nazarene to seriously threaten. The Pioneers led by as many as 18, and held the Tigers to a season-low 63 points.

Turning Point
MNU's dominant 3rd quarter, holding ONU to just 8 points while building a 15-point lead, created the separation that sealed the victory.

Individual Leaders
Kameron Green: 26 points (12-15 fg), 8 rebounds, 2 blocks
Zaylee Werth: 9 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists
Aubrey Rogers: 10 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, 6 steals
Grace Carlson: 15 points, 4 assists
Mary Lukert: 10 points, 4 assists

Up Next
The next game is Thursday in the Round of 16 in Sioux City, Iowa vs. #1 Dordt on Thursday at 6:00. MNU and Dordt met previously this season, as the then-#2 Defenders beat the then-#11 Pioneers in Olathe 64-48.