Friday
MNU-74
TNU-80
BOX
Saturday
MNU-93
ONU-84
3OT
On Friday the Pioneers had four players in double figures, but it wasn't enough to beat Trevecca Nazarene in Nashville. MNU led by 2 at halftime, but Trevecca took over the second half and won by six, 80-74.
Brenton Bell led the way with 18 points. Rustin Dowd had 13 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals. And Ben Swinger and Bryce Anderson both contributed 11 points.
On Saturday the Pioneers faced Olivet Nazarene and needed 3 overtimes to get the victory. MNU led by 10 points at halftime, but Olivet erased the deficit and took the lead with just over 6 minutes remaining. The Pioneers fought to build a 6-point lead with 3 minutes left, but back-to-back threes tied the game quickly. Rustin Dowd hit a 3 of his own to take back the lead, and after a basket by Olivet, Brenton Bell stepped to the free throw line with 17 seconds remaining. He nailed both free throws to push the lead back to three, and Olivet had one more possession. A 3-point attempt was missed, but Olivet got the offensive rebound and fired again, this time finding the hoop and tying the game.
Late in the first overtime, Rustin Dowd scored to give the Pioneers a 2-point lead. But two clutch Olivet free throw tied the game again and sent the gave into a second overtime. Olivet had a chance to win the game at the free throw line with 6 seconds remaining, but both attempts missed and the game was extended.
The third overtime was all Pioneers. The MNU defense didn't allow a point until 10 seconds remained, and the offense put up 9 in the meantime. A last-second MNU bucket gave the Pioneers the 93-84 victory.
Rustin Dowd's 25 points (in 45 minutes) led all scorers, and he dished out a game-high 7 assists. Brenten Bell (52 minutes) had 24 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Andrew Crotty had 9 points and 10 rebounds. And Ben Swinger had 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals.
The Pioneers are 5-4. The next game is Thursday the 3rd at home vs. Avila (6-2) at 7:30.