Bartlesville, Okla. -- The Mid-America Christian University Evangels were tripped up 88-85 by the No. 21-ranked Evangel University Crusaders in action at the Oklahoma Wesleyan University Classic Friday afternoon (Nov. 16) in Bartlesville, Okla. 

In a game that featured 11 ties, it was the Crusaders who finally pulled away for good in the late stages of the second half. 

After two free throws by Camilo Valencia put the Evangels up 75-73, a bucket by Stephen Cotton started a 6-0 spurt that gave the Crusaders a four-point lead with 4:16 remaining. 

The Evangels (2-2) came as close as one on four more occasions, but each time the Crusaders answered with a score of their own to hold off MACU. 

With 23 seconds remaining, Valencia drilled a three to cut the deficit to 86-85, but two free throws by J.J. Williams stretched the lead to three. 

The Evangels still had a chance to tie in the waning seconds, but a three by Reggie Davis was off line with two seconds left as the Crusaders hung on for the win. 

Charlie Shorter led all scorers with 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting from the floor.  Valencia added 13 points to go along with a game-high seven assists.  Angelo Lewis and Josh Minner also reached double-figure scoring with 12 and 11 points, respectively.  Davis led the Evangels with seven boards. 

Zach Kleine led four Crusaders in double-digit scoring with 20 points, while Cotton had a double-double of 11 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. 

The Evangels will play tournament host Oklahoma Wesleyan tomorrow night (Nov. 17) at 8 p.m.  MACU bested OKWU 77-73 in an earlier meeting this season.