LEAD

ANKENY, Iowa -- With a gutsy 67-62 overtime win over Emmaus Bible College, the Sabercats have a chance at their third straight NCCAA North Region crown.

Callie Morrison's 20 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, and clutch play led the Sabercats in the season rubber match, and the Blue and Gold will face #2 Calvary University tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. for the North Region Championship.

OVERVIEW

• Result: #1 Maranatha 67-62 #4 Emmaus
• Venue: Nettleton Center, Faith Baptist Bible College
• Event: NCCAA North Region Semifinal
• Location: Ankeny, Iowa
• Attendance: 58
• Records: MBU (9-8), EBC (11-9)

STORY

The first half showcased two teams that were already thinking about winning the whole tournament. Maranatha started in a decent rhythm but would fall a point behind by halftime despite out-shooting and out-rebounding Emmaus. The Sabercats committed 10 turnovers in the first half, gifting Emmaus 13 points in the process.

No one gained control of the second half. It was back and forth the whole time, and so when the lead began to change hands on a regular basis, the crowd in the Nettleton Center crept to the edge of their seats. Morrison had a big steal and layup with 12 seconds on the clock to put Maranatha up by three, but Emmaus answered with three seconds left to tie the game at 59.

After two close games in the regular season, it was only fitting that the rubber match would be decided in overtime.

The big moment came with five seconds left in the overtime period. With the Sabercats up by three, a technical foul was called on an Emmaus player, sending Emily Johnson to the line to push the lead to five points and give the Sabercats the ball back. The rookie took her chance with aplomb. Johnson knocked down both free throws and Emmaus let time expire on their regional hopes on the ensuing MBU inbounds pass.

After 45 minutes of intense regional action, Maranatha had won the season series, punched their ticket to the Championship, and secured a shot at their third consecutive regional title.

#PostGamePrayer with @EmmausAthletics ❄️ �� pic.twitter.com/UGXycBcGpT

— Maranatha Athletics (@MBUSabercats) February 27, 2021

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Maranatha Starters: 3- C. Morrison, 4- Johnson, 5- Hansel, 25- K. Morrison, 32- Simpson // Emmaus Starters: 1- Mendez, 21- Harding, 24- Morry, 25- Gelinas, 32- Brodmerkle

STATS

• Morrison: 20 PTS, 13 REB, 8 AST
• Katelyn Morrison: 17 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST
• Jacklyn Simpson: 14 PTS, 6 REB
• Rebounding: MBU 55-40 EBC
• Riley Harding: 23 PTS, 6 AST for Emmaus
• Last time: The Sabercats won 65-63 at home; the teams have split the series this season
• Series: Maranatha now leads the all-time series 24-9

OPPONENTS

• Emmaus beat Faith 69-49 last night in the first round of the tournament
• Emmaus just finished 1-2 at the Midwest Christian College Conference Tournament

NEXT

Maranatha will take on #2 Calvary University tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. Central for the 20201 NCCAA North Region Championship. Find details at mbusabercats.com/schedule.