Jan. 26, 2008
1.26.08 - CLAREMORE, Okla. - The Mid-America Christian University Evangels shooting struggles led to their loss against Sooner Athletic Conference opponent Rogers State University Hillcats Saturday, Jan 26. The Hillcats clawed past the Evangels 88-52.
"Our shooting performance was a big part in our loss," Head Coach Willie Holley said. "We gave up too many offensive rebounds and struggled on defense, which led to RSU's good shooting performance tonight."
MACU had trouble hitting its shots against the Hillcats, while RSU shot the ball well, especially from the three-point arc. RSU hit 61% from the three-point line for the game, including 90% from the three for the second half. MACU hit just 15% of its three-pointers, and was outscored 39-9 from points beyond the three-point line. RSU outrebounded MACU 51-36.
The Evangels scored the first basket of the game, but the Hillcats scored eight of the next ten points and took the lead. RSU would never trail again, despite MACU tying the game at 11-11 with 14:39 left in the first half.
RSU began to stretch its lead, holding their largest lead in the first half at 34-21 with six minutes left in the first half. The Hillcats went into the locker room with a 43-31 halftime advantage over the Evangels.
MACU pulled within ten points early in the second half, but the Evangels did not inch any closer. RSU began to pull away from the Evangels and stretched its lead to thirty points with five minutes left in the game.
Senior Stevan Thomas scored a team high 12 points and grabbed four rebounds. Senior Joe Brown had 11 points and four rebounds. MACU's bench came up big for the Evangels, scoring 33 points.
The Evangels fall to 8-11, and 4-7 in the conference. Coach Holley remains three wins shy of the 700 career wins mark.
MACU will continue its road play Thursday, Jan 31 against Northwestern Oklahoma State University in SAC play. Tip-off is slated for 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.
