March 4, 2009

3.3.09 - Lubbock, TX- The Mid-America Christian University men's basketball team ended their NAIA season on Tuesday night after losing a see-saw battle with Southern Nazarene University 79-73 in the opening round of the Sooner Athletic Conference tournament.

The first half witnessed five ties and 13 lead changes and ended withthe teams tied 42-42.

After four more lead changes in the second half, Mid-America Christianwent on a 14-4 run to capture a 59-50 lead with 11 minutes left in thegame.

Brandon Durham and Deonta Black led the Storm back on a 14-6 run to cutthe lead back to 65-64 with 6:21 left in the game. Jonathan West broughton the game's sixth tie, 67-67, with 4:14 left.

SNU's Tyree Scott delivered the 18th lead change at the 2:33 mark,72-69.

A dunk by Josh Ball got MACU back within a point, but West answered toput SNU up 74-71. Black put in an off-balance lay-up after an Evangelturnover for a 76-71 Storm edge.

Black led SNU with 20 points with Durham coming in with 19. West andScott had 11 each.

Charlie Shorter led the Evangels with 21 points with Tyron Goldsmith andBrandon Williams adding 14 and 11, respectively.

With the win, SNU advances to the quarterfinal game at 4 p.m. on Thursdayagainst Oklahoma Christian University.

The loss leaves MACU with an overall record of 3-27.