The Pioneers of MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) built too big of a lead at halftime for the Peru State College (PSC) Bobcat women to overcome on Thursday night.  MNU won their ninth game in a row by defeating the Bobcats 84-73 in Olathe, Kan.
 
With the win, the Pioneers remain tied at the top of the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) with Benedictine College, both with 9-1 conference marks.  Overall, MNU is now 19-2.  With the loss, the Bobcats remain in fifth in the ten-team league with a 5-5 mark.  For the season, the 'Cats are 10-12.
 
The Bobcats never led in the contest and only were tied once with the Pioneers, which was at 4-4 with 17:49 left in the first half.  Jasmine Tate (Fayetteville, N.C.) hit a bucket in the paint off a fast break to tie it up, but MNU quickly responded to go back on top and were never seriously challenged in the first half.
 
The Pioneers led at halftime 43-27, which was their largest lead of the first 20 minutes.

Three Bobcats finished in double figures with Adaugo Osuala (Lakewood, Colo.) leading the way with a game-high 20 points.  Osuala also added four assists and four rebounds.
 
Courtney Ward (Bartlesville, Okla.) completed her 15th double double of the season as she had 13 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.  Ward also blocked two shots and had two assists.
 
Natasha Moss (Indianapolis) finished with 12 points on four of five shooting from the floor and making four of five free throws.  Moss added three rebounds.

Peru State takes the court again on Saturday when they host the Central Methodist Eagles from Fayette, Mo.  The 23rd-ranked Eagles are 7-3 in the HAAC and topped Evangel on Thursday 61-49.  Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m.  Saturday is the Foundation's Alumni Chili Feed, which will begin at approximately 2:30 p.m.
 
The 'Cats will have a week off before facing their next opponent which will be Culver-Stockton College.  This game will be on the road in Canton, Mo., with game time scheduled for 2 p.m.  The Wildcats are just behind PSC in the HAAC standings with a 4-6 record, having topped Missouri Valley on Thursday, 74-59.