THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 56-69 Emmaus Bible
• Venue: Maranatha Baptist University
• Attendance: 129
• Record: Sabercats are now 4-8
• Next Game for MBU: Thursday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. vs Illinois Tech

THE LEAD

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- A high-pressure comeback in the second half came close, but was not enough for the Sabercats to keep their NCCAA regional streak alive tonight.

A spirited second-half effort from MBU nearly erased a 20-point halftime deficit, but Emmaus Bible College pulled out to a 13-point win through the closing minutes.

THE STORY

The first half brought smooth sailing for the Eagles and frustrating times for the Sabercats. Twenty turnovers from the Sabercats made for an easy 20-minute stretch for Emmaus, who jumped out to a 34-13 lead going into halftime.

The Sabercats were off of their rhythm offensively (6-26 from the field) and were in search of answers.

Judging by the way they started the second half, the Sabercats seemed to have found that answer. Coach Clayton Morrison put MBU in a high-intensity full-court press, and after some quick steals and finishes, the Sabercats had clawed back to within 9.

The Sabercats' 23 points in the third quarter was marked improvement from their first-half total of 13.

In the fourth quarter, the Sabercats came back to within 6 points after a Trisha Wright layup. Wright's effort came after the sister act of Karley Johnson, Kelsey Johnson, and Alexis Bueltel kept the Sabercats in it when they led the charge on the press.

But the comeback never came closer than 6 points, as the Eagles did just enough from the free throw line to stay out of the Sabercats' reach down the closing stretch.

THE NUMBERS

Karley Johnson led MBU with 14 points on the night.

Kelsey Johnson added a dozen points.

The Sabercats shot 23.1 percent from the floor in the first half and 51.4 percent in the second.

MBU's unwelcome mark of 34 turnovers was their highest mark this season.

The series now stands at 18-7 in favor of MBU.

THE OUTLOOK

The Sabercats will stay on the home floor for a 7 p.m. Thursday game against Illinois Tech. Follow live at mbusabercats.com/composite.