THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 53-59 Lincoln Christian
• Venue: Laughlin Center, Lincoln Christian University
• Attendance: 165
• Record: Sabercats are now 6-12
• Next Game for MBU: Thursday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. vs Grace Bible

THE LEAD

LINCOLN, Ill. -- After losing to an LCU comeback 3 weeks ago, the Sabercats nearly gave the Red Lions a taste of their own medicine this afternoon.

Kelsey Johnson did her best (literally) to step it up in the absence of MBU's seniors, but the Red Lions defended their home floor to the tune of 53-59.

THE STORY

The Sabercats weren't without their chances, as they took 10 more shots than Lincoln did throughout the game. On top of that, MBU had a season-low 11 turnovers. But the hosts made the most of their opportunities and only trailed once in a staunchly competitive 40 minutes.  

The Red Lions announced their intentions right from the start, as they posted an 8-0 run to start the game. It took the Sabercats until the middle of the second quarter to recover, when a jumper from Johnson put MBU up, 17-15.

A stalemate ensued, as the lids on the hoops came out for the next 3 minutes. Lincoln pulled theirs off first, as the Red Lions notched 6 points before the halftime horn. A buzzer-beating shot from Johnson put the score at 23-19 entering the break.

It was all going wrong for the Sabercats to start the second half, as the Red Lions extended their lead to 16 points with 4 minutes left in the third quarter. LCU connected their shots more often than not, and MBU fought turnovers and missed chances, essentially freezing their score.

Cue the Johnsons (and Claire Hansel), who combined for a 12-0 run to put the Sabercats right back in the game going into the fourth quarter.

Both teams peaked late. Through the closing 10 minutes, the squads combined for a field-goal percentage of above 50, and they both recorded 22 points in the final act. Johnson led a charge that brought the Sabercats back to within 2 points with 1:18 left, but free throws down the stretch sealed the deal for the Red Lions.

At the sound of the horn, the Sabercats were on the wrong side of the scoreboard. It was their eighth loss by 9 points or fewer this season.

THE NUMBERS

Johnson recorded a career-high 23 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.

Karley Johnson finished with 12 points and 8 boards.

MBU shot 27.5 percent from the field. The Sabercats have not won a game while shooting below 35 percent this season.

This was the second loss to the Red Lions this season for MBU.

THE OUTLOOK

The Sabercats will host Grace Bible College for a 7 p.m. tipoff Thursday. MBU topped Grace earlier this year by a score of 85-73. MBU leads the all-time series, 26-10.

Follow live at mbusabercats.com/composite.