Pioneers 79... Western Nebraska 74 (OT)

Ebele Mbagwu (Freshmam - Bakersfield, CA) hit a driving layup with :01 remaining in regulation to force overtime and the MCC Pioneers connected on on 11-13 free throws in the overtime session to pull out a thrilling 79-74 victory over Western Nebraska in Scottsbluff on Monday night. Matilda Sanz (Freshman - Madrid, Spain) poured in 20 points (7-11 FG, 3-5 3's, 3-6 FT) to lead the way for the Pioneers. 

The game was tight the entire way as there were 9 ties and 13 lead changes and the Pioneers had the largest lead of the game at 55-46 early in the 4th quarter. Laynee Elness (Freshman - Winifred, MT) scored 16 points (6-16 FG, 2-8 3's, 2-2 FT) before fouling out late in regulation. Mbagwu finished with 15 points (6-12 FG, 3-4 FT) and 8 rebounds. Jai Baumann (Freshman - Big Sandy, MT) started the 1st game of her career and notched 11 points (2-5 FG, 2-4 3's, 5-5 FT) and 5 rebounds. 

Inside the Box Score

• The Pioneers shot 23-63 (37%) from the field and 8-25 (32%) from the 3-point line. MCC hit 25-33 at the free throw line. 
• The Cougars shot 25-61 (41%) from the field and 1-12 from the 3-point line. WNCC hit just 23-41 from the free throw line. 
• The Cougars outrebounded the Pioneers 50-37. WNCC had 22 offensive rebounds and MCC had 15. 
• MCC committed 15 turnovers and WNCC had 11. 

The Pioneers are 7-4 and will face Eastern Wyoming on Friday afternoon in Gillette, WY. Tipoff in Gillette is set for 1:30 PM MST.