Jan. 9, 2009

1.8.09 - Alva, Okla.- The Mid-America Christian University (MACU) women's basketball team came back from a 17-3 deficit to defeat Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) opponent Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) 54-49 on Thursday afternoon at Percefull Fieldhouse.

The Lady Rangers came out tough holding the Lady Evangels to three points in the first nine minutes to play. MACU overcame the Lady Rangers 17-3 run, pulling within five points (25-20) going into the locker room at the break.

The Lady Evangels evened the score at the 12:59 mark, 31-31. The score was tied three more times throughout the second half with the Lady Evangels prevailing in the end, winning their first conference game of the season.

Freshman Rachel Bushong lead the Lady Evangels in scoring with ten points.

Both team struggled from behind the arc with the Lady Rangers shooting 7 percent and the Lady evangels shooting 19 percent. MACU shot 30 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line.

The Lady Evangels scored 12 points off of turnovers and had 26 points from player coming off the bench compared to Northwestern's eight points off of turnovers and four points off the bench.

"I am very proud of the girls for getting their first conference win this season," Head Women's Basketball Coach Markus Crandall said. "I am impressed with our team's ability to come back from a 14 point deficit with a better defensive effort and more aggressive rebounding. Jamie Floyd took a charge with under minute to play that helped build our momentum and helped secure the win. Anytime you can get a conference win on the road it is something you can build on."

With the win the Lady Evangels improve to 6-8 overall and 1-5 in conference play. The Lady Rangers are now 7-5 overall with a record of 2-4 in conference play.The Lady Evangels will travel to Edmond on Saturday to play SAC opponent Oklahoma Christian University at 6 p.m.