Nov. 23, 2007

11.23.07 - JOPLIN, Missouri- The Mid-America Christian University Evangels lost in an exhibition game to a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II opponent Friday, Nov. 23. The Evangels were defeated by the Pittsburg State Gorillas 83-61 in the Missouri Southern State University Thanksgiving Classic.

The NCAA Div. II Gorillas forced 11 Evangel turnovers in the first half, and 23 turnovers in the game. Pittsburg State went on a 24-9 run to close the first half and closed the game with an 18-6 run.

"We hung with them for a while, but we had stretches where we could not score and that hurt," Head Coach Willie Holley said.

The first half was back and forth, that included six ties and four lead changes. The Evangels had their largest lead of the night, 15-12, at the 14:52 mark. However, the Gorillas quickly regained the lead and never trailed again.

Pittsburg State went into the locker room with a 44-33 halftime advantage over MACU.

The Evangels pulled within ten points several times early in the second half, but failed to trim the lead to single digits. The Gorillas used a big run to close the game and put the Evangels away.

The Evangels remain at 4-3 on the season.

Senior Tracy Wilkins scored a team high 16 points, while Joe Brown contributed 11 points. Senior Stevan Thomas recorded his third straight double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

MACU will play their second game in the Missouri Southern State University Thanksgiving Classic Saturday, Nov. 24. The Evangels will take on host school Missouri Southern State University at 7:00.

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.