WEATHERFORD, Okla. – At halftime of their exhibition game at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, the Mid-America Christian University men's basketball team held a one-point lead. The lead grew to as many as eight in the second half, but at the end of the night, SWOSU had rallied to take the win in their exhibition opener.

MACU had five players score in double-figures, but the Evangels were unable to protect a second half lead, and the Bulldogs came from behind to win 83-77.

The Evangels erased a 21-12 first half deficit, shooting 42.9% from the floor in the opening 20 minutes and finishing the half on a 23-9 run, and at the half, MACU held a 35-34 lead. The Evangels continued to lead for a good portion of the second half, and with 2:57 to go, the Evangels led 72-70, but the Bulldogs rallied with a 9-0 run to take the lead, and the Evangels were forced to foul to try and extend the game, but to no avail as SWOSU pulled away to the 83-77 win.

Cade Upshaw led the Evangels with 17 points in the game, with Justin Bogle adding in 13, Keyshawn Perkins contributing 11, and Javan Perry tallying 10. MACU shot 44.4% (24-of-54) from the floor in the game, 25% (8-of-32) from long range, and 75% (21-of-28) from the foul line.

The Evangels will be back in regular season play on Monday, November 6, when they head to Belleville, Illinois to take on the Lynx of Lindenwood University-Belleville (0-0). Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.