Nov. 10, 2009

11.10.09 - Oklahoma City, Okla.- With four players scoring in double-figures, the Mid-America Christian University men's basketball team man-handled Hillsdale Freewill Baptist College. The Evangels defeated the Saints 91-68 on Tuesday evening at the Gaulke Activity Center.

The Evangels (2-0) were led by senior Josh Ball with 19 points on the night. Ball had a big first half, putting away 15 points. Sophomore Charlie Shorter had 15 points and Nathan Pratt added 11 points. Junior John Shodipo scored nine of his 13 points in the second half.

"I'm pleased with the work ethic our team showed tonight," Head Coach Willie Holley said. "The guys are really coming together and working hard for each other. That is the foundation of a good team."

The Evangels never trailed in the game. The Saints tied the game in the third minute of play 2-2 but that was as close as they would get to the lead. Two made free throws by Arcelon Osborne gave MACU an 18 points lead (24-6), their largest lead of the half.

The Saints chopped at MACU's lead, trailing by 13 (45-32) at intermission. At the break, MACU was shooting 46 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free throw line. HC was also 75 percent from the free throw line although they were only shooting 35 percent from the field.

Within the first five minute of the second half MACU had built a 24-point lead. Their largest lead after the break was 31 with a field goal by Osborne.

MACU finished the game shooting 50 percent from the field and 67 percent from the free throw line.

Ish Maclin had 19 points to lead the Saints (0-4), who shot 41 percent from the field and had 24 turnovers.

The Evangels now gear up for their first meeting with a NCAA Division I squad as they travel to Texas Christian University on Friday, November 13th. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.