Bethany, Okla. - Under first-year head coach Josh Gamblin, the ninth-ranked Mid-America Christian University Evangels extended their winning streak to eight games, representing their best run as an NAIA school in a gritty, 72-69 victory at the Southwestern Christian University Eagles tonight (Jan. 23) at Pickens-Springer Gym in Bethany, Okla.
"It's really all about our guys," Gamblin said. "They believe in one another and have showed big time mental toughness in tight situations. They truly love and trust each other and when times get tough that's what you lean on."
The Evangels had to work to the very end for this one, as SCU led by as much as six in the second half and held a late two-point edge until Nick Tate nailed a go-ahead three with 1:05 remaining.
On the next SCU possession, Tate followed up his big shot with a crucial play defensively, recording a steal that led to a Devonse Reed layup to put the Evangels up by three with 10 seconds remaining.
The Evangels then finished the victory by forcing a three-point miss and then a turnover in the final seconds.
MACU led 34-29 at the break and quickly stretched the edge to double-figures with a 6-1 spurt during the first 1:07 of the second half.
James Still brought the Eagles back and into the lead with 10 points to key a 20-4 burst that put SCU in front 50-44 with 12:28 remaining.
A three by Bryon Miller and five straight points from Jerrick Massenburge helped bring the Evangels within one, but the Eagles increased the lead back to six two more times before the Evangels used a 7-1 spurt to pull even at 63-63 with 4:15 left.
After a score by Still put the Eagles back in front, Reed and Chris Runnels each scored to give the Evangels their first lead since the 15:28 mark of the second half.
Massenburge led the Evangels (16-3, 6-1 SAC) with 17 points, with Reed and Miller each scoring 14. Runnels scored eight with a team-high nine rebounds and Mann and Miller each had four assists.
Still paced the Eagles (8-9, 4-4 SAC) with a double-double of 20 points and 13 boards. Marvin White had 14 points and Gabi Laurent added 12 for SCU.
The win keeps the Evangels on top of the Sooner Athletic Conference standings heading into Tuesday night's (Jan. 26) matchup at USAO. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. in Chickasha, Okla.
