February 5, 2022 | by Nate Croswell

LEAD

HANCOCK, Mich. -- The Sabercats' late comeback fell short against Finlandia today in a 79-70 loss.

Brenden Caldwell scored a career-high 15 points, while Josh Davis recorded his second double-double of the season by scoring 10 points and grabbing a career-high 15 rebounds.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 70-79 Finlandia
• Venue: Paavo Nurmi Center, Finlandia University
• Location: Hancock, Mich.
• Attendance: -
• Records: MBU (3-16), FINU (3-19)

STORY

Coming off a long rest week, the Sabercats had to battle with the Lions early, as the score remained within 1 point for the first five minutes. As the clock approached 10 minutes in the first half, Finlandia hit a few key shots to extend their small lead to 10 points, upon which they continued to add throughout the half. Missed threes and turnovers cost the Sabercats dearly late, and that allowed the Lions to head into halftime with a 48-26 lead.

As the second half began, the Sabercats started to hit a few more shots, slowly chipping away at the deficit. Josh Davis gave the Sabercats some scoring opportunities with huge rebounds, while Brenden Caldwell dropped 13 points in the second half to help carry the offense. As the clock reach five minutes remaining, Maranatha had trimmed the lead back down to 10 points, but Finlandia was able to hit their late free throws to stop the Sabercats' comeback cold in its tracks for a 79-70 final.

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Maranatha Starters: 0- Woodward, 3- Mayhak, 5- Sanders, 15- Davis, 21- Moultrie // Finlandia starters: 00- Shumate, 3- Williams, 14- Higgins, 24- Hines, 33- Depew

STATS

• Caldwell: Career-high 15 PTS, 4 REB, 2 STL
• Davis: 10 PTS, Career-high 15 REB
• Davis: Second double-double this season
• Sanders: 11 PTS, 6 REB, 1 BLK, 2 STL
• Moultrie: 11 PTS
• Last time: Maranatha defeated Finlandia 81-69 on January 22
• Series: The all-time series is tied at 1-1

OPPONENTS

• Finlandia competes in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII)
• Finlandia has nine freshmen on the roster with 14 of 18 players being underclassmen

NEXT

The Sabercats begin a week of North Region rivalries by hosting Faith on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. Details at mbusabercats.com/schedule.