Chickasha, Okla. -- In a game of wild twists and turns, the seventh-ranked Mid-America Christian University Evangels saw their eight-game winning streak snapped in heartbreaking fashion tonight (Jan. 26), 95-93 at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Drovers in Chickasha, Okla.
The Evangels had possession in the final seconds with a chance to tie or win it, but came up empty as USAO held on for the win.
MACU held an 11 point lead with 7:53 remaining when Taran Buie fueled a run of 17 straight for the Drovers with 10 points, including eight at the charity stripe to suddenly put USAO on top 90-84 with 3:56 left.
It remained a six-point deficit for the Evangels but Devonse Reed hit consecutive layups to make it a two-point game at the 2:11 mark.
After Reed misfired on a three-point attempt that would have given the Evangels the lead, David Tucker scored to put USAO back in front by four with 23 seconds left.
The Evangels weren't through yet and clawed within one on a three by Bryon Miller with 15 seconds left.
Following a foul, the Drovers' Myron Taylor split two free throws to give MACU a chance, but the Evangels couldn't get a shot to fall as time expired.
The Evangels opened the game with a 20-5 run during the first 5:25 of the contest.
Buie then led the Drovers back with 13 points to spark an 18-5 burst that cut the Evangels' lead to 26-23 at the 9:50 mark of the opening half.
After the Evangels outscored the Drovers 14-3 to regain a 14-point edge, the pendulum swung again with USAO going on a 21-6 spurt over the next six minutes to lead 47-46 and eventually 49-48 at the break.
Miller scored a team-high 24 points to lead the Evangels (16-4, 6-2 SAC) and tied his career-high with five threes. Reed and Jerrick Massenburge each scored 13 points and Nick Tate added 11. Jason Nwisienyi also scored in double-figures with 10 points and Malcolm Mann dished out a game-high eight assists.
Buie led all scorers with 36 points for the Drovers (10-6, 5-3 SAC), with Tucker scoring 23 with a team-high six assists. Richard McCalop had 11 points and Dedrain Parmer tallied 10 points and a game-high nine boards.
The Evangels were outrebounded 44-35 overall but outscored the Drovers 46-21 in the paint.
MACU will now look to start a new win streak by hosting Bacone College Thursday night (Jan. 28) at 8 p.m. inside the Gaulke Activity Center.
