THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 95-53 Emmaus Bible
• Venue: Pollard Field House, Emmaus Bible College
• Attendance: 181
• Record: Sabercats are now 4-1
• Next Game for MBU: Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at Dominican

THE LEAD

DUBUQUE, Iowa -- A high-scoring offense, tidy possession, and pinpoint shooting set the tone for MBU once again in their fourth straight win.

MBU shot above 50 percent for the third time in their last 4 games and dropped Emmaus, 95-53. The win marked their third win in NCCAA North Region play this season. Micah Shepard once again led all scorers with 28 points.

THE STORY

It was a 3-point game through the first 10 minutes of the first half. The Eagles looked determined to defend their home floor against the Sabercats, who won last year's game in Dubuque in overtime.

The Eagles' opening resolve was quickly negated.

A Jonathan Book layup at the 8:52 mark triggered a 28-7 run to end the half for MBU. The Sabercats stayed patient and persistent on defense, as they never sent the Eagles to the line in the first half. MBU also limited Emmaus to shooting just over 35 percent from the field.

Shepard (17), Book (14), and David Lerma (13) teamed up to lead the scoring in the first half for Maranatha. Shepard and Lerma both shot 4-5 from 3-point range.

At the halfway mark, MBU led the game 53-27.

The second half was essentially a repeat of the first half. Maranatha closed out the game with little resistance from Emmaus, and MBU tightened their defense even more. Emmaus sunk less than 10 shots in the second half, as the Sabercats showed resolve to close out their fourth straight win.

RJ Medina came off the bench to add 9 points in the second half. Medina's 9-point showing was backed up by a 5-point, 5-rebound effort from Matt Gill.

MBU outscored Emmaus 42-26 in the second half. Zeke Steuerwald added his first collegiate field goal and MBU had 5 different bench players contribute to the second-half effort.

THE NUMBERS

Shepard (28), Book (18), and Lerma (17) all registered 10 points or more.

The Sabercats are now 3-0 in NCCAA North Region play.

The starting 5 registered 71 of the 95 points for MBU.

With the win, the Sabercats now lead the all-time series, 26-4.

THE CALENDAR

The Sabercats will hit the road again on Thursday to face Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Dec. 6. Catch the details at mbusabercats.com/composite.