November 13, 2023 | by Ashley Nerat

LEAD

MOBERLY, Mo. -- Maranatha opened their season with back-to-back games against Central Christian College of the Bible last weekend. After two close battles, the Sabercats ultimately fell in both games by a score of 53-58 (Friday) and 40-51 (Saturday).

OVERVIEW

• Result:
  • Friday: Maranatha 53-58 Central Christian
  • Saturday: Maranatha 40-51 Central Christian
• Venue: Ferneau Center - Central Christian College of the Bible
• Location: Moberly, Mo.
• Attendance: 60
• Records: MBU (0-2), CCCB (5-0)

STORY

Game One

Maranatha started their season last Friday against Central Christian College of the Bible. The Saints had a bit of a head start against the Sabercats, having already played three games prior. 

Despite only having about a week of practice with their full team, due to athletes participating in both soccer and volleyball, Maranatha kept things within reach for the full 40 minutes of play. 

The Sabercats knew coming into the games that they would see a zone defense from their opponents, but unfortunately, they still fell into the trap and gave the Saints exactly what they were hoping for. Maranatha continued to put up shot after shot from long-range with limited success. 

Trailing by 10 at halftime, Maranatha had some ground to make up. They started to connect with the basket more and changed their defense to a 2-3 zone, which proved to be effective. At one point, the Sabercats were able to bring the game to just two points. But despite Maranatha outscoring their opponents in the second half of play, Central was able to keep their lead and defeated the Sabercats 58-53.

Game Two

The next day Maranatha knew the areas that needed to improve in order to come away with a win. However, even though a change was noticeable in the areas of rebounding and shot selection, the Sabercats quickly fell into foul trouble which would be the sword in their side. 

Maranatha awarded their opponents 28 free throw opportunities which the Saints used to their advantage, converting 18 of those shots. Maranatha struggled in their own trips to the line, finishing 50% on the day going 9-18. 

Same as the day before, the Sabercats found themselves trailing by 10 at the half. But this time the Saints pulled a little farther ahead. But just when it seemed that all hope was lost, freshman Paige Joiner gave Maranatha one final glimpse of hope as she recorded a series of steals that led to multiple Sabercats baskets. 

As the minutes wound down the Saints were able to hang on to their lead and ultimately defeated the Sabercats once again, this time by a score of 51-40.

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Maranatha Starters: 5-Ureke, 10-Joiner, 13-Teachout, 21-Mikkelson, 25-Brown

STATS (Unofficial)

• Box Score - Friday
• Box Score - Saturday
• Friday
  • MBU: shot 25 percent from the field
  • CCCB: shot 34.4 percent from the field
• Saturday:
  
  • MBU: shot 24.2 percent from the field
  • CCCB: shot 23.4 percent from the field
• Last time: Maranatha defeated Central 60-51, last year in the first round of the NCCAA North Region Tournament
• Series: Maranatha and Central are now tied in the all-time series 2-2.

OPPONENTS

• Central Christian competes in the NCCAA Central Region
• Central Christian also competes in the Midwest Christian College Conference (MCCC)
• Central Christian finished the 22'-23' season with a record of 9-19

NEXT

The Sabercats travel to Carlinville, Illinois to take on Blackburn College tomorrow at 5:00 P.M. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.