WATERTOWN, Wis.— The Sabercats had a second-half lead slip away tonight, as one of their most well-balanced offensive performances of the fell season fell short to Kuyper, 75-78.
Maranatha held a 16-point lead in the second half, but a 21-3 Kuyper run ultimately turned the tide in the NCCAA Midwest Region matchup.
OVERVIEW
- Result: Maranatha 75-78 Kuyper
- Venue: Main Gymnasium - Maranatha Baptist University
- Location: Watertown, Wisconsin
- Event: NCCAA Midwest Region - Regular Season
- Records: MBU (2-18), KC (10-12)
STORY
The first half showcased a balanced and dynamic Sabercat offense, as Maranatha seemed to have an answer for every Kuyper connection. James Hawley led the way with 8 points, but five Sabercats registered 5 or more points in the opening 20 minutes. The lead changed hands 11 times in the opening half, and it never any more than a two-possesion game, as the Sabercats held on to go into halftime ahead 38-34.
The enery was palpable in the opening stages of the second half, and the momentum stayed firmly in Maranatha's favor.
Brayden Cox connected a huge three from right in front of the Sabercats' bencha round the 12-minute mark to give Maranatha a 16-point lead - their largest of the game - and
Joe Shank mirrored Cox's triple from the other side of the court, bringing the close-quarters crowd to their feet with a contested three to make it 65-51 with just under 10 minutes left.
But just when momentum was at its highest point, Kuyper went on a 14-point run to tie things up just like that. Maranatha had the looks, but just couldn't seem to get the shots to fall. Enter Shank, who nailed another three to make it 68-65, and it was less of a run-starter than a run-stopper, as the Sabercats finally put an end to the 14-0 Kuyper run. It seemed to be the lifeline that Maranatha needed, but Kuyper simply wouldn't be denied. The Cougars had strung together a 21-3 run, and with just over 2 minutes to play, the visitors had a 4-point lead.
Hawley made things interesting with a three-pointer with 22 seconds on the clock. Hawley hit the shot from well behind the three-point line, making it a one-point game and reviving Maranatha's chances.
The game would be won from the line, thought, as Kuyper held on with just enough to get the job done, taking a come-from-behind win to remember in the NCCAA Midwest Region matchup.
Maranatha had one of its most well-balanced offensive performances of the season, putting five Sabercats into double figures for the first time since November.
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Maranatha Starters: 10- Shank, 13- Hawley, 21- Brock, 24- Orsello, 30- Schultz
STATS
- Grant Brock: 13 points, 9 rebounds
- Brayden Cox: 13 points, 2 assists
- Hawley, Chris Orsello: 11 points each
- Will Schultz: 10 points
- Maranatha: first time with 5 players in double figures since 11/22/2024
- Last time: Kuyper defeated Maranatha 70-102 in January
- Series: the series is now tied 8-8
OPPONENTS
- Kuyper competes in the NCCAA Midwest Region alongside Maranatha
- Kuyper finished the '23-24 season with a 20-9 record
NEXT
The Sabercats travel to Beloit on Tuesday night for a 7:00 P.M. tip. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.
