Park University's men's basketball program had a big second half against No. 12 MidAmerica Nazarene University on Tuesday to defeat the Pioneers in Olathe, Kan., 74-66.

Park and MidAmerica both are one game over .500 on the season and in Heart of America Athletic Conference matchups. Park bumps up to 4-3 and 2-1 in the Heart, while MidAmerica Nazarene is a similar 3-2 and 2-1 of the same.

The last upset ranked victory of a team in the NAIA Top 25 for Park was February 20, 2020 when the Pirates defeated No. 21 Central Baptist, 61-57.

This is the first conference game in 2023-24 that Park has shot better 1from distance than their opponent. Tonight Park shot nine-of-23 or 39.1-percent from three-point range, their second best performance of the season. MidAmerica had their lowest shooting performance from deep at six-of-31 or 19.4-percent.

The first points to the game did not come until 2:00 had ticked off the clock and began with a pair of free-throws by MidAmerica Nazarene. This was answered immediately by Augusto Hausman's two-point basket and a three by Aj Watson for a 5-2 lead at 17:14. There was additional points scored on both sides, but Savian Edwards joined the three-point shootout with a made basket from beyond the arc to reclaim a three-point lead at 13:48, 10-7. A 6-2 run for Park was brought on by another Watson three, a Hausmann lay-in, and a Watson free-throw for a 16-9 lead. In the last 10 minutes of the first half three lead changes switched hands and two ties took place. With 2:57 to go, Park had a five-point lead, but an 8-1 scoring run including two three-pointers for MidAmerica Nazarene gave them a 31-29 lead at the half.

A combined five points out of halftime by Edwards and Robinson gave the Pirates a 34-32 lead at 17:43. The Pioneers applied pressure, but it was staved by a two-point bucket by DeMarcus Hudson and an Edwards three for a 39-34 lead at 16:24. Control of the lead changed an additional two times over the next 3:36. The senior transfer Watson was feeling it tonight with a two consecutive three-pointers to give Park a 4-point lead at 12:29, 45-41. Watson was five-of-nine from three-point range and led Park's offense with 18 points. This would be the final lead change that took place as Park solidified themselves with a 9-2 run from 10:57 to 7:10 for a 54-46 lead. Another pivotal three-pointer was splashed by Hudson to help Park to a healthy lead at nine points. Hudson came through again from beyond the arc to end a 4-0 run by MidAmerica to give Park a 60-52 lead with 4:08 remaining. Sound basketball by the Pirates eliminated any opportunity for MidAmerica Nazarene to make a comeback and after last second fouls and free-throws, Park secured an 8-point victory, 74-66.

Besides shooting a slightly better field-goal percentage than the Pioneers at 38.7-percent to 33.8-percent, Park had an excellent performance from the line at 17-of-20 compared to MidAmerica Nazarene's 10-of-18.

Park had six more turnovers, 14 to just eight for MidAmerica Nazarene, but both teams had the same points off of those turnovers with nine.

Besides Watson, three other Pirates were in double-figures. Hudson and Hausmann mirrored one another with 14 points and Edwards was close to them with 12 points. Hausmann nailed down a double-double with his 10 rebounds.

Christian Bradford played a great role tonight with nine points and 12 rebounds. He also had the most free-throws made at five-of-six in his opportunities.

Hudson distributed to playmakers well tonight with a team-leading three assists.

The Pirates will play an exhibition game against University of Central Missouri on Saturday but their next Heart matchup will not be until Wednesday, November 29 at 7:30pm in Baldwin City, Kan. against Baker University.  WATCH
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