Nov. 21, 2008

11.21.08 - Joplin, Mo.- The Mid-America Christian University men's basketball team was defeated by Missouri Southern 73-62 in the opening round of the of the 2008 Freeman Sports Medicine/Chris Tucker Memorial Classic.

The Lions (3-0) came out strong starting the game with an 11-2 run just two minutes into the game. The Evangels (0-5) answered with a 9-0 run to tie the game.

Southern led by nine (24-15) after a layup from Keane Thomann at the eight minute mark, but MACU used a 13-2 run to take the lead, 28-26 with 3:20 left in the half.

With 19 seconds left in the half the Lions were able to take the lead (31-28) with a three pointer from Skyler Bowlin. Tyron Goldsmith put MACU within one, 31-30, going into the locker room with two made free throws with two seconds left in the half.

The Evangels forced the Lions to 15 turnovers in the first half.

MACU scored the first points of the second half, going ahead 32-31, but that was the last time the Evangels would be in the lead as the Lions went on an 8-0 run to open up a seven point lead (39-32) with 15 minutes left and would lead by 13 with the score 58-45 with 8:27 left.The Lions led by as much as 16 (64-48).

MACU had four players in double-figures led by Brandon Williams with 16 points and Tyron Goldsmith with 15 points.

The Evangels will conclude the Classic Saturday evening when they play Pittsburg State.