Sports

Pioneers earn first home victory With 74-65 win over Buena Vista

11/07/2026 - By Maria Eduarda Rodrigues da Silva

The MIU women’s basketball team made its home crowd proud on Wednesday evening, earning a 74-65 victory over Buena Vista University JV to secure the Pioneers’ first home win of the 2026-27 season.

The Pioneers delivered a strong offensive performance, finishing with 74 points, 43 rebounds, 12 assists, and eight steals. Their effort on both ends of the court helped MIU secure the nine-point victory.

Leading the way offensively was Daijahnay Winston, who delivered an impressive performance with a game-high 32 points, including five three-pointers. Winston also recorded three assists and two steals.

Alexandria Wolff contributed 15 points and was a major presence on the boards, finishing with 14 rebounds. Amarie Phillips added 11 points, along with two assists and two steals.

The Pioneers also received valuable contributions from Promise Dunbar, who finished with eight points and seven rebounds, and Malayah Ward, who recorded seven points and a team-high 15 rebounds. Ward’s presence on the boards and her ability to convert clutch free throws helped MIU throughout the contest.

“Every one of the starters contributed. It was a solid effort. We will keep growing as a team, but I’m happy my girls were able to see what they can do in spite of low numbers.”

— Head Coach Niki Collins

For Head Coach Niki Collins, however, the significance of the victory went beyond the final score. As a first-year program, the Pioneers are continuing to establish their identity, and today’s performance demonstrated the toughness and determination the coaching staff hopes to build.

“Tonight’s game ended with a win, but I just wanted my team to outdo themselves from the previous game. Being a year-zero team, it’s hard to tell the grit and determination by only wins and losses,” Collins explained.

Despite facing limited roster numbers and having to rely on two freshmen who were not yet fully prepared for collegiate basketball action, the Pioneers continued competing. Three players played the entire game without coming off the floor, something Collins believes reflects the team’s developing toughness.

MIU also faced a challenging stretch after building a 20-point lead, as Buena Vista continued fighting its way back into the contest.

Collins highlighted the contributions of her starters, including Winston’s long-range shooting, Ward’s rebounding and clutch free throws, and Wolff’s all-around performance and three-point shooting. She also praised Phillips for playing with confidence and drawing three charges, while Dunbar battled through illness to make sure the team had the players it needed.

“Every one of the starters contributed,” Collins said. “It was a solid effort. We will keep growing as a team, but I’m happy my girls were able to see what they can do in spite of low numbers. We just need our point guard one back.”

Tonight’s victory marked an important milestone for MIU Women’s Basketball, giving the Pioneers their first home win and another opportunity to build confidence as they continue their 2026-27 campaign.

The Pioneers will look to build on their first home victory as they continue developing as a team. MIU Women’s Basketball will travel to face Kansas Christian College on November 11, 2026, as the team looks to carry its momentum into its next matchup.

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Maria Eduarda Rodrigues da Silva is the MIU News sports editor and the Sports Information and Creative Director for the MIU Athletics Department.