(Peru, Neb.) – After leading most of the first half and taking back early in the second half, the Peru State College (PSC) Bobcat women's basketball team eventually fell to the host MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) Pioneers 76-59.
 
This was the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) opener for both teams with MNU improving to 6-4 overall and 1-0 in the HAAC.  Peru State fell to 0-9 for the season and 0-1 in the HAAC.
 
The Bobcats actually had the lead for the majority of the first half.  With 7:53 left in the half, PSC had a seven-point margin at 23-16, before the Pioneers went on 9-0 run, taking a 25-23 lead with 3:54 remaining.  Peru State never did regain the lead in the first half and trailed 33-30 at the intermission. 
 
At the start of the second half, the 'Cats came out and scored the first four points to take a 34-33 lead at the 17:27 mark.  Less than a minute later, MNU got a field goal to retain the lead and had the lead the remainder of the game.  The Pioneers stretched the lead to ten with 12:51 left and continued to have a double-digit lead throughout the rest of the half.
 
Team Statistics
 
The Pioneers outshot the Bobcats in all three shooting categories.  From the floor, MNU hit 45.5% making 30 of 66 while PSC was 22 of 60 for 36.7%.  From behind the arc, the 'Cats only made two of 11 for 18.2% while MidAmerica made four of 15 for 26.7%.  Neither team shot well at the free throw lane.  MNU made 12 of 22 for 54.5% with PSC making 13 of 25% for 52%.
 
MNU had a big rebounding edge as they grabbed 52 boards while PSC only managed 37.  Both teams committed 18 turnovers.  The Bobcats did have more blocked shots and steals than MNU as the 'Cats stuffed five Pioneer attempts and stole eight balls.  The Pioneers blocked three PSC tries and managed only three steals.
 
Game Box Score


Individual Statistics
 
Three Bobcats finished in double figures and were led by Natasha Moss (Indianapolis) with 15 points, a Bobcat career high.  Moss made five of nine field goals and was five of six from the charity stripe for her 15 points.  Moss also grabbed five rebounds, had two steals, and blocked one shot.
 
Also in double figures were Courtney Ward (Bartlesville, Okla.) and Sydney Young (Omaha) as they finished with 13 and 12 points respectively.  Ward had a double-double as she grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds.  In addition, Ward had a team- and game-high three assists, two steals, and one blocked shot.  Young added five rebounds, one steal, one blocked shot, and one assist.
 
KNCY Player of the Game Comments
 
In a brief discussion on the radio, Ward and Moss shared a few comments.  Ward noted, “We just need to keep moving forward and I, along with the rest of the team, needs to just move ahead and do things right.”  Moss added, “They (MNU) were very aggressive, but I tried to take it right at them as the coaches wanted me to do.”
 
Coach Maurtice Ivy Comments
 
“We have to be ready to go blow-to-blow in this conference.  I see us making progress with this young team,” said Bobcat coach Maurtice Ivy following the game.  Ivy continued, “We need to stay positive and we will win some ball games.”
 
Upcoming Games
 
The Bobcats only have one day to prepare for their second HAAC game, as the Central Methodist University Eagles will visit the Al Wheeler Activity Center on Saturday, Dec. 3.    Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m.
 
The following week, PSC only has one match-up, and that will be against another HAAC opponent.  The 'Cats will travel to Canton, Mo., to play the Culver-Stockton College Wildcats in a game scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.