Wildcats Fall Just Short vs. (RV) MNU on Monday, 80-75

OLATHE, Kan. – Despite a career-high 26 points from Noah Rigatuso, the Baker men's basketball team lost a tight one on Monday evening to (RV) MidAmerica Nazarene, 80-75.

Rigatuso led all scorers in the game, going 9-for-17 from the field, 2-for-4 from the three-point line and 6-for-7 from the free throw line. Jalen Patterson was the only other Baker player in double figures on Monday, scoring 17 points, while Justin Batts II and Quentin Harvey led Baker on the glass with seven boards a piece.

Early in the game, the lead changed multiple times, but neither team could gain a larger lead than three points until a three by the Pioneers gave MNU a 21-15 lead with 11:13 to play in the first half.

After a free throw by MNU extended the lead to 22-15, Baker went on a quick 11-0 run capped off by two free throws from Quentin Harvey to give the Wildcats a 26-22 lead with 6:54 left until halftime.

MidAmerica Nazarene then quickly regained the lead and leading 39-36 with 2:21 to play in the half, the Pioneers gave up just one more point and stretched their lead to 45-37 at the break.

Early in the second half, MNU stretched their lead to 10 points, but over the next six minutes, Baker had cut the lead to one on a huge three-pointer from Rigatuso, 52-51. With 12:32 left in the game, a basket by Ty Henry gave Baker the lead once again, leading 56-55.

Baker eventually led by a score of 67-62 with 5:59 to play, forcing MNU to take a timeout. Baker added to their lead to make it 69-62 out of the timeout, but MNU came roaring back to tie the game at 71 with 2:50 left in the game.

The Pioneers would finish the game on a 9-4 run and went on to win the game, 80-75.

Baker is now 13-4 on the season and 8-3 in Heart of America play. They will be back in action on Thursday, Jan. 19, when they host Benedictine at 7:30 p.m., inside the Collins Center.

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