Jan. 3, 2009

1.3.08 - Oklahoma City, Okla.- The Mid-America Christian University (MACU) men's basketball team dropped a Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) match to Lubbock Christian University (LCU) 86-71 in overtime on Saturday evening at the Gaulke Activity Center.

The loss drops the Evangels to 1-10 overall and 0-4 in SAC play. The win gives LCU an overall record of 7-3 and 2-2 in the conference.

The Evangels came out strong leading by as many as 15 in the first half. MACU out scored the Chaparrals 14-2 in the first five minutes of play. But LCU returned the favor going on a 15-2 run to bring them within two points (22-20) with 6:45 left in the first half. They battled it out point for point for the remainder of the half and MACU took a 33-31 lead into the locker room at half time.

MACU shot 53 percent from the field and 42 percent from behind the arc in the first half. They were also 2-2 from the free throw line

LCU jumped out to a ten point lead in the first five minutes of the second half after a 20-8 run. With just under three minutes to play the Evangels were still down by 10 points (59-69). An 8-0 run brought MACU within three points of the Chaps (66-69) with 1:53 to play. A Brandon Williams three pointer brought the Evangels within two (69-71) with 41 seconds in regulation.

An LCU turnover game MACU enough time for one more shot. A lay-up by Darius Gregory tied the game (71-71) and sent it into overtime.

LCU held the Evangels scoreless in overtime, going on a 15-0 run.

Brandon Williams led the Evangels in scoring with 20 points and six rebounds. For the game the Evangels shot 49 percent from the field, 21 percent behind the arc and 60 percent from the free throw line.

The Evangels are back in action on Monday, January 5th at 8 p.m. when they host conference opponent Wayland Baptist University.