OKLAHOMA CITY – For the first time since the 2013-14 season, the Mid-America Christian University Lady Evangels have begun the season 8-1 after hanging on for an 81-77 victory over the Texas Wesleyan University Lady Rams in the Sooner Athletic Conference opener tonight (Dec. 1) inside the Gaulke Activity Center.
"I'm really proud of our group getting off on the right foot in conference play!" MACU head coach Hannah Moeller said.
"My hope is that we learned a lot during the struggle of the fourth quarter and that we use it as an opportunity for growth that propels us moving forward."
The Lady Evangels were in control much of the way, leading by a game-high 17 points late in the third quarter.
MACU held off the Lady Rams for the majority fourth quarter and still maintained a 10-point lead of 78-68 with 1:04 left.
That's the point where TWU made things interesting, as a score from Katelynn Threats and two treys from Alycia Louallen sparked a quick 9-1 burst and pulled the Lady Rams within two points at 79-77 with 15 seconds left.
But Mikki Flores stepped to the line and hit two crucial free throws to help the Lady Evangels hold on for the win.
The Lady Evangels closed out both the first and second quarter strong to come away with an 11-point lead at the break, outscoring the Lady Rams 11-2 to finish the opening period and then 13-4 to conclude the second quarter.
MACU got threes from Sarai Rodriguez and Flores followed by a three-point play by Nevada Denton to cap an 11-2 run that gave the Lady Evangels a 21-17 lead heading into the second period.
Janaya Hines then hit consecutive buckets to finish off the second quarter surge and make it a 38-27 edge heading into the break.
Flores finished with a career-high tying 24 points and Rodriguez added 17. Jamie Lamb scored 12 and pulled down eight rebounds. Tamiyjah Smith also had eight rebounds for the Lady Evangels.
Ashlie Bruner paced the Lady Rams with a double-double of 22 points and 10 boards and also a game-high six assists. Threats scored 21 and Falesha Fuller had 10 points.
The Lady Evangels will look to continue their strong start to the season at home Saturday afternoon (Dec. 3) at home against Bacone College. Tip-off is set for 3 pm.
