Siloam Springs, Ark. -- The John Brown University Golden Eagles pulled away in the second half and then held on for a 74-70 win over the Mid-America Christian University Evangels in Sooner Athletic Conference action tonight (Feb. 11) in Siloam Springs, Ark. 

The Evangels trailed by four at the break and by as many as eight in the second half when Olajuwon Garner and Devonse Reed each hit two consecutive field goals to tie the score at 50-50. 

Reed then hit two free throws that gave the Evangels their first lead since the 7:58 mark of the opening half. 

With the Evangels up 58-55, Brandon Joseph converted a three-point play that ignited a 12-2 spurt that put the Golden Eagles in front by seven with 5:12 remaining. 

The Evangels battled back at the charity stripe, as Garner hit four free throws and Tyler Chaisson hit two that made it a one-point game with 23 seconds left. 

After Jake Caudle made two free throws to put JBU ahead by three, the Evangels had a chance to tie the score, but misfired on a three. 

Josh Bowling was then fouled and missed the first free throw, but hit the second to close out the win for the Golden Eagles. 

Garner led the Evangels (14-12, 5-9 SAC) with 19 points, while Reed and Ex'Zavia Seaton each scored 10. Seaton also had a team-high eight rebounds. 

Joseph led JBU (15-10, 7-7 SAC) with 15 points and Bowling had 12 points with seven boards. Marquis Waller chipped in with 11 points and Caudle recorded a team-high five assists. 

The Evangels will now return home and host Southwestern Christian University Thursday night (Feb. 16) at 8 pm inside the Gaulke Activity Center.