Nov. 20, 2007
11.20.07 - LINDSBORG, Kan.- The Mid-America Christian University Evangels lost their second consecutive game Tuesday, Nov. 20, against the Bethany College Swedes. The Swedes held off the Evangels for the 89-81 win.
"This was a very disappointing loss," Head Coach Willie Holley said. "We broke down in key moments of the game."
MACU defeated Bethany College earlier in the year at home, but failed to pick up the win in a tough environment. Playing in front of a home crowd, the Evangels failed to make the big plays down the stretch, while Bethany College capitalized on their opportunities and came away with the victory.
The Swedes went on a 20-9 run to start the game, but the Evangels cut the lead to five points mid-way through the first half. The remaining of the first half was back and forth, however MACU was never able to take the lead.
The Evangels trailed the Swedes 40-36 at halftime.
The second half continued to be back and forth, with the Evangels tying the game up for the first time at 44 with 16:29 remaining in the game. MACU grabbed its first lead at 49-47 with fifteen minutes left in the game, but Bethany College responded with 15-2 run in the next five minutes to take an eleven point lead.
The Evangels answered quickly going on a 14-7 run, trimming the Swedes' lead to just two points. Bethany College responded and stretched the lead back to eleven points with just four minutes left in the game.
The Evangels cut the lead 82-76 with 1:34 remaining in the game, but they would get no closer as the Swedes held off the Evangels for the win.
MACU struggled from the three-point line shooting 26% and shot just 53% from the free-throw line. Bethany College executed down the stretch, shooting 49% from the field and 76% from the line.
Seniors Donald Thorne and Stevan Thomas had double-doubles for the Evangels. Thorne had 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Thomas contributed 28 points and 11 rebounds. Junior Derek Winston picked up 14 points off the bench and Senior Joe Brown had 11 points.
The Evangels dropped to 4-3 on the season with the loss.
MACU will travel to Joplin, Missouri over Thanksgiving break and play in the Missouri Southern Thanksgiving Classic. The Evangels will play its first game against Missouri Southern University Friday, Nov. 23 at 7:00 p.m.
If you are interested in playing men's basketball for MACU or would like more information about the men's basketball program, contact Coach Charles Goar at 405-692-3267 or via email at cgoar@macu.edu.
