Plainview, Texas –
D'Michael Bellfield collects his second double-double of the week,
Brett Leach drops 19 points, and
Meikkel Murray contributed 12 points as the Pioneers knocked off Northern New Mexico College (4-14) 74-65 at the Hutch.
23
rd ranked Wayland Baptist (8-3, 3-2 SAC) with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists. Leach finished with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Murray added on 12 points and 5 boards, and
Rodney Carson Jr. contributed 10 points, 3 assists, and 4 steals.
The Pioneers got out to a quick 8-2 lead thanks to two 3-pointers from Leach and
Deuce Guidry, but the Eagles were able to keep the game close for the majority of the first half. With just over four minutes remaining in the half, the Pioneers sparked a 10-0 run capped off by an offensive rebound putback by Bellfield to push the lead to 30-20. The Pioneers were able to stay in front the rest of the half taking a 35-26 lead into the break.
The Pioneers didn't start the second half as strong after giving up a quick 10-0 run to give the eagles a 36-35 lead with just over fifteen minutes remaining. The Pioneers stayed on the attack and continued to attack the rim aggressively to get multiple trips to the free throw line and an important and-one by Bellfield to regain the lead, 46-39, with just over twelve minutes remaining in regulation. A clutch 3-pointer by Leach, layup from Murray, and 5 clutch free throws put the game away for a Pioneer victory, 74-65.
The 23
rd ranked Pioneers will come back from the Christmas break with a road Sooner Athletic Conference matchup at the RV University of Science and Arts Drovers on Thursday, January 4
th, 2024. Tip is set for 8:00 PM.
