Jan. 29, 2009

1.29.2009 - Oklahoma City, Okla.- Although the Mid-America Christian University men's basketball team led for most of the game, they were unable to put away Sooner Athletic Conference opponent Southern Nazarene University on Thursday night. The Evangels lost 58-55 at the Gaulke Activity Center.

The Evangels matched SNU bucket for bucket in the first half where there were four tie ups. The Evangels held a two point lead (31-29) going into the break with a Donell Lewis jumper.

In the second half MACU increased their lead to nine with 16:30 to play (40-31). The Crimson Storm battled back going on an 11-0 run, giving them a one point lead (41-40) with 14:24 to play. The Evangels took over the lead going on a run of their own out scoring the Crimson Storm 9-1, putting MACU ahead by seven (49-42) with 11:49 left in the in the game. SNU regained the lead with 3:23 on the clock after 14-0 momentum shift (56-49). The Evangels battled back within two (57-55) but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities during the last minutes of play.

Brandon Williams led the Evangels with 15 points and two steals. Tyron Goldsmith had 12 points and four assists.

Brandon Durham and Daniel White led SNU, each scoring 13 points.

The loss drops the Evangels to 2-17 overall and 1-11 in conference play. With the win the Crimson Storm improves to 13-7 overall with a 6-6 record in the conference.

The Evangels take the road on Saturday, January 31st against conference opponent University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma at 8 p.m.