Russellville, Ark. -- Much like the last time these two schools met, the Mid-America Christian University Evangels hung tough throughout, but eventually succumbed to the NCAA D-II No. 24-ranked Arkansas Tech University Wonder Boys 78-69 in an exhibition game for the Evangels Tuesday night (Dec. 13) in Russellville, Ark. 

The Evangels whittled down a 12-point halftime deficit with a 13-3 run that cut the lead to 51-49 with 12:58 remaining.

After a pair of free throws by Cameron Langster made it 56-53, the Wonder Boys began to pull away as a layup by Jared Williamson started an 8-2 spurt that pushed the lead to nine  at the 5:55 mark. 

The Evangels (5-4) refused to go quietly as Brandon Williams converted a four-point play to make it a six-point game at 71-65 with 2:57 left. 

But from there, the Wonder Boys (6-1) scored the next seven points to put the game away. 

Williams led the Evangels with 19 points and knocked down four of his five attempts from beyond the arc. Langster scored 16 and recorded a game-high 11 rebounds for his first career collegiate double-double.  Charlie Shorter added 11 points.

Johnie Davis led all scorers with 28 points, while Will Paul scored 12 and Williamson chipped in with 11 points and a team-high eight boards. 

The Evangels shot 49 percent 25-of-51) from the field overall, including a blazing 59.1 percent (13-of-22) in the first half.  But they were hurt by 14 offensive rebounds by the Wonder Boys that led to a 16-2 edge for ATU in second-chance points.

MACU will wrap up play before the Christmas holiday at home in another exhibition contest against the NCAA D-II East Central Tigers on Thursday night (Dec. 15) at 7 p.m. in the Gaulke Activity Center.  The Evangels bested the Tigers 91-86 last Saturday night (Dec. 10) in Ada, Okla.