The Kuyper College Women's Basketball team defeated Maranatha Baptist University on Saturday afternoon in a comeback fashion. The Cougars defeated the Sabercats by a final score of 64-61. The Cougars and the Sabercats are each members of the NCCAA II Midwest Region, so this was a critical regional matchup. Not only was this an important win for the Cougars due to the Regional matchup, it was also a historic win, as the Cougars have set a new school record for longest win streak. Kuyper has now won 5 consecutive games, breaking the previous record of 4 wins that the 2009-2010 Cougars set. 

The Cougars started slow for a good portion of Saturday's game, but they were able to mount an impressive comeback to secure the win. Kuyper went into the halftime break down 26-33. The Cougars were struggling to get things going offensively, as they were struggling from three and the free throw line. On the contrary, Maranatha shot over 50 percent or higher from the field and from three in the first half. In the second half, Coach Mike Janikowski decided to pick up the pressure, as the Cougars began to full court press for much of the second half. Kuyper was able to turn the Sabercats over and capitalize, leading to the win. 

Kuyper finished the game with 27 points off turnovers. They were able to turn the Sabercats over 37 times. This was the biggest difference in the game. 

Kuyper's comeback was led by guard Shonyah Hawkins. Hawkins finished the game with 20 points and 5 steals. Jakya Rimpson finished with a double-double for the Cougars, as she had 16 points and 13 rebounds. Maria Sobany had 5 steals, and Couper Agema had 7 steals. 

Coach Mike Janikowski was very pleased with his team's response and resilience today. Coach Janikowski said, "I can't express in words how proud I am for the way this team responded at the half! Our defense turned up to another level. I wasn't pleased with how we played offense, but for us to find another gear and get stops when we needed it most was huge. I am really, really proud of the effort and heart in the second half!"

The record-breaking win moves the Cougars to 9-5 on the season and 7-1 in the NCCAA II. The Cougars will host Great Lakes Christian College on Wednesday, January 17th at 5:00pm.