Shawnee, Okla. -- The Mid-America Christian University Evangels opened the 2012-13 campaign with a 90-87 victory over the Southwestern Christian University Eagles at the St. Gregory's University Classic this afternoon (Nov. 2) in Shawnee, Okla.

The Evangels never trailed and led by 10 at the half and went on to build the lead to 17 at the 18:21 mark of the second half. 

But the Evangels had to hold off a late rally by the Eagles thanks to game-highs of 24 points, seven assists and six steals from Marc Traylor that led four Eagles in double-figure scoring.   

Charlie Shorter led the Evangels (1-0) with 19 points and also pulled down seven rebounds.  Reggie Davis and Angelo Lewis each scored 18, with Lewis recording a game-high 13 rebounds.  Camilo Valencia dished out a team-high six assists. 

Both teams shot 42.1 percent from the floor, but the Evangels out-shot the Eagles at the free-throw line 72.7 percent (24-of-33) to 58.1 percent (18-of-31).

The Evangels will wrap up action at the St. Gregory's Classic against Oklahoma Wesleyan University tomorrow evening (Nov. 30) at 6 p.m.