OKLAHOMA CITY -- The No. 17-ranked Mid-America Christian University Evangels defeated the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Drovers 82-68 for their seventh straight victory in a Sooner Athletic Conference matchup tonight (Jan. 29) inside the Gaulke Activity Center. The seven game win streak continues the Evangels' longest such streak since joining the NAIA in 2007.
The victory keeps the Evangels in first place in the SAC by a full two games over second-place St. Gregory's University at 8-1 in the league along with a 15-6 overall mark.
The Evangels was on top by eight at the half when three-point plays by Jerry Coriolan and Brendan Chapman sparked an 8-2 run to begin the second half that cut the lead to just two at 39-37 four minutes into the period.
Leading 41-39, Jason Nwisienyi began a 12-2 spurt with a three-point play and capped it with a score inside that made it 53-41 with 13:39 left.
From there, the Evangels kept the Drovers at bay and built the lead as high as 19 on a three-point play by Semar Farris that stretched the edge to 74-55 with 4:45 left.
The Drovers started fast and took an early six-point lead when a three by Donnie Brown made it 13-7 at the 14:13 mark of the first half.
Jerrick Massenburge then nailed consecutive threes to ignite a 12-0 burst to put the Evangels on top by six.
After the Drovers came within two, Brock Hunter hit a pair of treys to help the Evangels close the half on a 9-3 run to lead 37-29 at the break.
Chris Runnels led the Evangels with 14 points and six rebounds, followed by Jarius Wilson with 13 points and also six boards. Hunter and Massenburge each scored 11 and Nwisienyi had nine points and also pulled down six rebounds. After being limited in the first half with foul trouble, Farris scored seven points and dished out a team-high five assists in the second half.
Markens Charles and Ed' Lexus Collier each scored 19 to lead the Drovers and Brown added 13 points. Brendan Chapman recorded a team-high 12 rebounds for USAO (4-12, 3-6 SAC).
The Evangels' defense also stifled the Drovers to only 31 percent (22-of-71) shooting for the game, including just 27 percent (10-of-37) in the opening half.
MACU will look to make it eight straight wins Saturday afternoon (Jan. 31) at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. in Waxahachie, Texas. The Evangels took the first matchup at home against SAGU 77-69 back on Dec. 4.
