Jan. 31, 2009

1.31.09 - Chickasha, Okla.- The Mid-America Christian University women's basketball team was unable to hold onto an 11-point halftime lead, falling to Sooner Athletic Conference opponent University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma 65-55 at the USAO Fieldhouse on Saturday evening.

The Lady Evangels came out hot, out-scoring the Drovers 20-7 in the first ten minutes of play. Sophomore April Hale had three straight buckets from behind the arc, propelling the MACU offense. The Drovers battled back within seven with 1:44 to play in the half but a jumper and two made free throws by Karina Trindade gave MACU an 11 point lead going into the break. The Lady Evangels scored 14 points off of 15 USAO turnovers.

The Lady Drovers chipped away at MACU's lead in the second half. With less than nine minutes to play USAO tied the score at 43-43. USAO controlled the lead but MACU was within reach. The Lady Drovers, up by four with under three to play, went on a 9-0 run giving them a 13 point advantage (65-52). The Lady Evangels were unable to recover from the deficit, loosing 65-55.

Turnovers plagued both teams, each committing 26 during the game.

Karina Trindade led MACU in scoring with and rebounds with 15 points and nine boards. April Hale had 12 points, 3-4 from behind the arc.

The loss puts MACU at 7-14 overall with a 2-11 record in the SAC. The win improves the Lady Drovers to 11-10 with a 5-8 conference record.

The Lady Evangels will travel to Texas next weekend for road games against SAC opponents Lubbock Christian University and Wayland Baptist University.