THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 89-59 Trinity Bible (N.D.)
• Venue: Clark-Danielson Gymnasium, North Central University
• Attendance: 39
• Record: Sabercats are now 5-2
• Next Game for MBU: Saturday, Dec. 9 at 12 p.m. vs Oak Hills (@ North Central University)

THE LEAD

MINNEAPOLIS -- With each of the starting 5 registering double-digit points, the Sabercats marked their fourth consecutive NCCAA regional win Friday night, topping Trinity Bible College by a score of 89-59.

Micah Shepard once again led Maranatha with 26 points and the Sabercats shot 52 percent from the floor on the night. A hard-working Sabercats defense limited the Lions to shooting just 28 percent in the game.

THE STORY

A fast 10 points from Shepard in the first half set the tone for a stress-free night for MBU. The Sabercats quickly built on the momentum, and they held a 13-point lead just over 8 minutes into the game - their largest lead of the half.

Trinity Bible could only come to within 6 points of Maranatha in the first half. Shepard's 15-point effort in the opening 20 minutes and some quick hands from Jonathan Book (3 rebounds, 4 assists) kept Maranatha in front. Entering the locker room, the Sabercats had a 41-32 lead.

If the first half was good for Maranatha, the second half was great.

The Sabercats sealed the win going away, as they shot 57 percent from the floor and 55 percent from downtown. On the other end, the scrappy MBU defense limited the Lions to shooting less than 20 percent in both categories. Maranatha allowed Trinity to knock down just 7 shots from the floor in the entire second half.

The precise second-half effort from Maranatha was balanced. Nine different players put up points, and Bryce Cashner's 7-point showing highlighted the bench contributions. 

MBU extended their lead out to 30 points at the 2:38 mark. That lead was the largest of the night and would hold until the sound of the horn.

THE NUMBERS

Book and Rob Sonnenberg were both 1 rebound shy of notching a double-double.

Book finished the night with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Book led a 21-assist night. This was the fourth time this season that Maranatha has recorded more than 20 assists.

Shepard's 26-point night was his third night with 20-plus points this season. Shepard also kicked in 8 boards and 4 assists.

MBU held the advantage in rebounding, 51-39.

Parker Stemen led the Lions with 16 points.

Maranatha now leads the all-time series, 5-0.

THE CALENDAR

The Sabercats will stay in the Twin Cities to face Oak Hills Christian College tomorrow at 12 p.m. Catch the final result at mbusabercats.com/composite.