Nov. 16, 2007

11.16.07 - 11/16/07 EDMOND, Okla.- The Mid-America Christian University Evangels pulled off one of the biggest wins in the history of the MACU athletic program Friday, Nov. 16. The Evangels defeated a National Collegiate Athletic Association opponent for the first time in the history of the MACU basketball program.

The Evangels defeated the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Savage Storm 84-69 in the Sleep Inn Classic on the campus of Oklahoma Christian University.

"This was a big win for our program," Head Coach Willie Holley said. "The players worked hard and they deserve this win."

The beginning of the first half was back and forth, as there were lead changes and ties, but the Evangels jumped up on the Savage Storm and gained a comfortable double digit lead.

Southeastern would climb its way back at the end of the first half, but MACU would answer before the half ended to take a 37-25 halftime lead.

"I was pleased at half," Coach Holley said. "I felt that our transition game was excellent and we were on the right track."

The transition game helped the Evangels maintain their lead throughout the second half, as they never trailed.

MACU was able to counter all of Southeastern's runs in the second half to come away with the victory.

"We played a good game," Coach Holley said. "I thought our bench stepped up and played big for us all night."

Junior guard Terrance McCollister led the Evangel bench with ten points, while junior Derek Winston had eight points and six assists.

"Everyone seemed to get in the flow of the offense," Coach Holley said.

Senior Joe Brown scored a game high 23 points and had four steals, while senior Tracy Wilkins had 13 points and four rebounds. Senior Stevan Thomas contributed 16 points and eight rebounds.

The Evangels improve to 4-1 on the season.

MACU will play its second game in the Sleep Inn Classic against Texas College Saturday, Nov. 17, at 6:00 p.m.