WATERTOWN, Wis. -- In a game that came down to the final seconds, Maranatha pulled off a 40-37 victory over Andrews University to record their first win of the season. 

Anna Alsup led the Sabercats' scoring, finishing with 15 points. Kristyn Pill hauled in a career-high 15 rebounds, aiding the Sabercats in their possession of the ball.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 40-37 Andrews
• Venue: MBU Main Gym
• Location: Watertown, Wis.
• Attendance: 150
• Records: MBU (1-17), AU (1-15)

STORY

From the opening minutes of the game, it was clear that it would be a hard-fought game from both sides. Both teams struggled to make shots fall, with neither team surpassing 25% shooting from the field. Thanks to a made free throw from Kristyn Pill in the waning minutes of the first quarter, the Sabercats emerged with a 7-6 lead.

The second quarter was one that Maranatha would like to forget, as they struggled to draw fouls and make free throws. Thanks to some good defense and timely 3 pointers from Katelyn Shank and Anna Alsup, the Sabercats escaped with a 17-16 lead. 

Going into the second half, the Cardinals' Sarah Banish and Jia Ke were the dynamic duo, fueling a 7-2 run and giving Andrews a 5-point lead - their largest of the game. With a 3-pointer from Lindsay Mikkelson and more free throws from Krystin Pill, the Sabercats looked to be back on track. With 4 minutes left in the game, the Sabercats were down by four and needed to get some points on the board. Anna Alsup was up for the task, sneaking in a layup. Just one minute later, Natalie Belson came out of nowhere, draining a 3-pointer to put the Sabercats up by one. 

With a score of 31-29, the atmosphere was electric, with everyone on the edge of their seats. The Cardinals made an early layup, but the Sabercats were not deterred. Thanks to the Sabercats' 14 free throw opportunities, they were able to do just enough to sustain the lead through the final minutes of the game. Despite a rocky road, the Sabercats managed to take the elusive first win of the season in a game not soon to be forgotten.

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Maranatha Starters: 3- Kennedy, 12- Pill, 14- Alsup, 15- Shank, 21- Mikkelson (C)

STATS

• Box Score
• Alsup: 15 PTS, 7 REB, 2 STL, 1 AST
• Pill: 7 PTS, 15 REB, 6 STL*, 4 AST
• Last time: Maranatha fell to Andrews 31-51 earlier this season.
• Series: The series is now tied, 1-1.

*Career-High

OPPONENTS

• Andrews competes in the United States College Athletic Association

NEXT

The Sabercats stay in Watertown to take on NCCAA Midwest Region rival #7 Great Lakes Christian College next Tuesday at 5:00 P.M. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.