OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Mid-America Christian University Lady Evangels came back from 23 down to make it a single-possession game late in the second half, but couldn't get over the hump as the East Central University Lady Tigers held on for a 70-65 win Monday evening (Dec. 17) inside the Gaulke Activity Center.  The win snaps the Lady Evangels' eight-game winning streak, their longest since joining the NAIA. 

The Lady Tigers appeared to be in control when five straight points by Lindsay McCown capped a 13-3 spurt that stretched the lead to 54-31 with 11:16 left. 

That's when the Lady Evangels went to work as a 6-0 run cut the lead to 54-37 and four straight free throws by Parris Price brought MACU to within 57-45. 

The deficit was still 61-46 when Kourtni Williams scored five points to spark an 11-0 push that trimmed the ECU lead to only four at the 1:10 mark.

The Lady Evangels eventually made it a three-point game on three occasions, with the last being on a runner by Price that made it 68-65 with just 10 seconds remaining.

But Regan Browne sank two free throws to put it away for the Lady Tigers. 

The Lady Evangels shot only 17.5 percent (7-of-40) in the first half as ECU ended the period on a 9-3 spurt to take a 30-22 lead at the break. 

Williams notched her fourth double-double of the season with 25 points and 13 rebounds.  Price also reached double-figure scoring with 15 points along with a game-high five steals.  Sabrina McKinney had a team-best four assists for the Lady Evangels. 

Dilan Webster paced the Lady Tigers with 19 points and also blocked six shots, including five swats in the first half.  Erin Walling added 15 points and McCown had 11 and a game-high 11 boards.

The Lady Evangels were out-rebounded 49-48 overall but enjoyed a 24-13 edge on the offensive glass.    After the rough shooting first half, the Lady Evangels warmed up to a 37.8 percent (14-of-37) clip in the second. 

MACU will now take time off for the Christmas Break and will play again on Jan. 5 at No. 14-ranked Rogers State University at 3 p.m. in Claremore, Okla.