OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Mid-America Christian University Evangels tightened up defensively in the second half and pulled away for a 93-75 victory over the John Brown University Golden Eagles in Sooner Athletic Conference action tonight (Jan. 7) inside the Gaulke Activity Center. 

The Evangels broke it open by outscoring the Golden Eagles 15-2 over a seven-minute stretch that extended an eight-point lead all the way to 93-72 with 1:48 remaining. 

The key to the surge was the Evangels stifling defense that limited JBU to only a pair of free throws from the 8:25 mark to the 1:36 point.  The Golden Eagles missed all 13 of their field-goal attempts during the Evangels' game-deciding run. 

MACU also did a good job getting to the free-throw line and taking advantage at the charity stripe, hitting 9-of-10 at the foul line during that span. 

The first half went back and forth, with each team leading by seven before a three by Nick Tate pulled the Evangels even at 42-42 at the break. 

Chris Runnels led the Evangels (11-3, 1-1 SAC) with a career-high 24 points and also pulled down eight rebounds and blocked five shots. Tate scored 13 and also had eight boards, while Jerrick Massenburge added 12 points. Devonse Reed scored 11, with Bryon Miller and Jason Nwisienyi each contributing 10 points. Malcolm Mann paced MACU with a career-best nine rebounds along with six assists. 

Griffin Brady recorded a game-high 26 points for the Golden Eagles (7-8, 0-3 SAC) with seven boards, while Ricky Roberts scored 11 and also had seven rebounds. 

The Evangels controlled the interior, outscoring JBU 48-22 in the paint and also held a 24-15 edge in second chance points.  

MACU will now turn around and host No. 17 Wayland Baptist University Saturday afternoon (Jan. 9) in what has been tabbed as the "NAIA D-I MBB Game of the Week".  Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. inside the Gaulke Activity Center.