January 10, 2023 | by Ashley Nerat

LEAD

PLYMOUTH, Minn. -- Coming back from Christmas break, Maranatha was unable to pull off a win. The Sabercats fell 33-75 against the Lions of Trinity Bible in their first game of the new year.

Katelyn Morrison led her team once again as the top scorer, this time with 10 points on the night. 

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 33-75 Trinity Bible
• Venue: Student Life Center - Free Lutheran Bible College
• Location: Plymouth, Minnesota
• Event: NCCAA North Region Regular Season
• Attendance: 37
• Records: MBU (2-9), TBC (7-4)

STORY   

The Sabercats had hoped to start their first game of the new year with a little fire in their step. But things did not go as planned. 

The Lions of Trinity Bible went on a quick 11-0 run to start the game, led by junior Stacia West who put the first 8 points on the board. Katelyn Morrison was finally able to knock down a jumper to give Maranatha 2 points. But those would be the only points the Sabercats would see all quarter as the Lions dominated 24-2 at the first buzzer. 

Maranatha showed some more strength during the second quarter. Kyria Teachout was able to hold her ground against Stacia West and keep her to only 2 points in the quarter. The Sabercats were able to outscore the Lions 11-10 in the second, but they still went into halftime with a lot of ground to cover, trailing 13-34.

The second half seemed to favor the Lions as they drove the ball into the paint, leaving Maranatha with no answers. Trinity finished with a 75-33 victory over Maranatha, giving them a 3-2 lead in the all-time series between the two teams. 

Maranatha will stay in Minnesota to take on Martin Luther College, where they are hoping to get their first win of the new year.

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Maranatha Starters: 4- Steuerwald, 5- Ureke, 12- Ab. Herbster, 13- Teachout, 25- Morrison

STATS

• Box score
• MBU: shot 28.3 percent from the field
• TBC: shot 37.7 percent from the field
• Last time: Maranatha fell to Trinity in last year's NCCAA North Region Championship (66-64)
• Series: Trinity Bible now leads the all-time series against Maranatha, 3-2

OPPONENTS

• Trinity Bible competes alongside Maranatha in the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association in the North Region 
• Trinity Bible finished the '21-'22 season with an 18-9 record
• Trinity Bible fell to Pensacola Christian in the first round of the NCCAA National Tournament last season

NEXT

The Sabercats stay in Minnesota and travel over to New Ulm where they will take on Martin Luther College at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10th. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.