MOBERLY, Mo. — The Sabercats fought hard in an attempt to improve their early-season win streak to 2-0, but fell just short in a heartbreaking 67-71 loss to Central Christian.
OVERVIEW
- Result: Maranatha 67-71 Central Christian
- Venue: Ferneau Center, Central Christian College of the Bible
- Location: Moberly, Mo.
- Attendance: -
- Records: MBU (1-1), CCCB (2-2)
STORY
Due in part to multiple turnovers in the opening minutes of the game, the Sabercats struggled to keep pace with the Saints early on. Despite finding themselves in a 14-3 hole with 13 minutes remaining in the first half, the Sabercats fought hard to claw their way back into the game. Jump-started by 8 points from
James Hawley, the Sabercats were tied 26-26 with the Saints. With 3 minutes left in the first half, the Sabercats took the lead and looked to carry it with them into halftime. But the Saints had other plans. Both teams scored back and forth, finally finishing out the first half with a 32-32 tie.
Coming out of the locker room, the Saints were the first to find the hoop. Scoring was fairly even for several minutes until the Saints broke free, scoring 13 points to the Sabercats' 7. Again, the Sabercats came from behind, forcing a tie game. With 10 minutes remaining in the half, neither team would manage to get a real leg up on the other, fighting all the way to the finish. With 44 seconds left in the game, Trey Palmer made 2 clutch free throws, giving the Saints the lead. In a last-ditch effort to gain possession of the ball, the Sabercats fouled again, but Silas Massey drained both of his free throws as well. As the buzzer sounded, the Saints took the win by the skin of their teeth, denying the Sabercats a 2-0 start to their season.
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Maranatha Starters: 3- Northern, 4- Price (C), 13- Hawley (C), 14- Cleveland, 30- Schultz
STATS
- Box Score
- Last time: Central took the win, 68-87.
- Series: Central leads the series 3-0.
OPPONENTS
- Central competes in the Midwest Christian College Conference (NCCAA DII)
- Central finished the '24-25 season with a 7-23 record.
NEXT
The Sabercats will face region rival Emmaus next Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.
