Nov. 24, 2007

11.24.07 - JOPLIN, Missouri- The Mid-America Christian University Evangels struggled in an exhibition game against a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II opponent Saturday, Nov. 24. The Evangels lost to the Missouri Southern State University Lions 98-71 in the Missouri Southern State Thanksgiving Classic.

The Lions forced 31 MACU turnovers, with 17 turnovers coming in the first half. The Lions jumped on the Evangels early by scoring the first nine points of the game and went on a 20-2 run to start the game. The Evangels went on a run of their own and cut the lead to four points.

The Evangels went on a 15-3 run and trimmed the lead 31-27 with three minutes left in the first half. However, the Lions answered with a 14-4 run to close the first half.

Missouri Southern took a 45-31 half time lead against the Evangels.

The Lions started the second half on fire and put away the Evangels early. Missouri Southern stretched their lead to over twenty points within the first three minutes of the second half and cruised to the victory.

Senior Joe Brown scored a team high 20 points, while Senior Tracy Wilkins added 12 points. Senior Stevan Thomas contributed 10 points.

The Evangels remain at 4-3 on the season.

MACU will play its first Sooner Athletic Conference game Thursday, Nov. 29.The Evangels will play Rogers State University in the battle of the newcomers in the SAC. Game time is 8:00 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.