Nov. 14, 2009

11.14.09 - Fort Worth, Texas- The Mid-America Christian University men's basketball team kept NCAA Division I Texas Christian University on their toes on Friday night with the Horned Frogs edging out the Evangels 74-69 at the Daniel-Myer Coliseum.

MACU put the first bucket on the board with a jumper by junior John Shodipo. The score was knotted up seven times in the first 20 minutes of play with five lead changes. With less than seven minutes to go in the first half the Evangels took a seven point lead (24-17), their largest lead of the half. TCU tied the score 24-24 with under five minutes to go. With 2:33 to play the score was 27-all. The Frogs went on an 11-0 run before Shodipo hit a three to leave the Evangels down by eight points (38-30) at the break.

In the first five minutes of the second half, TCU jumped to a 14-point lead (52-38). A made field goal from behind the arc by Charlie Shorter got the Evangels rolling, scoring seven consecutive points (45-52). TCU returned the favor with an 11-0 run of their own making it 45-64 with just under nine minutes to play.

MACU rallied with a 14-0 run (62-66) to bring the Evangels within four points of TCU with 3:02 to play. With under two minutes to go MACU down by eight (70-62), sophomore Brandon Williams hit a crucial three-pointer to bring the Evangels within reach. Shodipo blocked Kevin Butler's shot, leading to a lay-up by Shorter making the score 67-70 with 42 seconds remaining in the game. TCU secured the victory with free throws in the final seconds of play.

MACU was led in scoring by a pair of sophomores: Williams with 18 points and Shorter with 17 points. Williams hit several crucial 3-pointers; he was 4-6 on the night. Shorter also led the team in rebounds with six boards. Shodipo had 12 points to round out the Evangels in double-digit scoring.

MACU will continue to play on the road next week, traveling to Sterling College for the Sterling Classic on November 20th and 21st.