THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 77-56 Great Lakes Christian
• Venue: Maranatha Baptist University
• Attendance: 389
• Record: Sabercats are now 7-12
• Next Game for MBU: Saturday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. vs Great Lakes (Parents' Day)

THE LEAD

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- A 1,000-point milestone, a triple-double, a 25-year celebration - all in the final home game of the year on Parents' Day. This game had it all.

Alexis Bueltel became the 13th player in program history to reach the 1,000 points mark while her sister, Kelsey Johnson recorded her first career triple-double. These two things - added to a ceremony for Coach Clayton Morrison's 25th season as head coach - added a superlative quality even to the ordinarily special day at MBU. 

THE STORY

Bueltel wasted no time in reaching the 1,000-points mark. The senior promptly sank 4 shots from inside the arc to reach the coveted milestone in just 5 minutes.

The milestone jumper was one of 6 shots that Bueltel knocked down in the first quarter. The sharp-shooting senior led the Sabercats with 12 points, and MBU held a 22-16 lead after an end-to-end stretch.

The second act was all about MBU.

Bueltel added 4 more points, but it was Johnson that did the bulk of the scoring. The sophomore began to craft what was arguably the best game of her career with 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in the second quarter alone.

Led by the sister act, the Sabercats' 20-6 second quarter sent them into the halftime break with a 42-22 lead. Kelsey had 17 points to her name while Lexi was right there with 16 of her own.

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Between the third and fourth quarter, the fans honored Coach Clayton Morrison with a standing ovation after a tribute to "Coach Mo's" 25 years of coaching. A number of Coach Mo's former players - including NCCAA All-Americans and former NCCAA DII national champions - joined in the celebration (More on Coach Morrison's milestone can be found here).

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With the ceremonies out of the way, the Sabercats resumed business as usual, as they closed out the game without much of a hitch. The second half stayed close throughout, but the lead was built. Coach Mo cleared the bench, and everyone contributed to the 21-point win.

Seniors Bueltel and Katie Bender played their final game on the home floor for the Blue and Gold.

THE NUMBERS

Johnson completed her triple-double (21 pts, 16 reb, 13 ast) in the fourth quarter. The rebounds and assists were both career-high marks for the sophomore.

Bueltel's 22-point showing was her fifth game with 20 or more points this season. She added a double-double as well, notching 12 rebounds.

Trisha Wright led the bench players with 10 points.

With the win, the Sabercats now lead the series, 2-0.

MBU shot 40.2 percent from the field. The Sabercats are undefeated when shooting above 40 percent this season.

THE OUTLOOK

The Sabercats have concluded their home games for the season, and will have 2 weeks to prepare for the NCCAA North Region Tournament. In the meantime, the Sabercats will play away to Silver Lake College and Mount Mary University.

Catch the details of live game coverage for these games at mbusabercats.com/composite.