Feb. 23, 2008

Final Stats

2.23.08 - PLAINVIEW, Texas - The Mid-America Christian University Evangels came close to upsetting the #19 Wayland Baptist University Pioneers in Sooner Athletic Conference action Saturday, Feb 23. The Pioneers edged the Evangels, 73-69.

"I thought we played well this afternoon," MACU Head Coach Willie Holley said. "A couple more made shots and we would have pulled off the upset."

The Evangels shot just 50% from the free-throw line and made eight free-throws, while the Pioneers shot 71% from the free-throw line and made 17 free-throws. MACU shot 48% from the field, but the Pioneers managed 56% shooting for the game. MACU out-rebounded WBU, 30-25, but the Evangels committed 17 turnovers for the game.

The game started on a WBU alley-op dunk, but the Evangels answered right back and scored the next five points of the game and took an early 5-2 lead. The remaining of the first half was back and forth, with neither team able to hold more than a four point lead.

The first half consisted of thirteen lead changes and four ties, but the Pioneers held a 34-32 advantage over the Evangels at halftime.

The Pioneers scored the first six points of the second half, and held the games largest lead, 40-32, at the 18:51 mark. The Evangels came back and went on a 12-4 run, tying the game at 44 with sixteen minutes remaining in the game.

WBU scored on the ensuing possession and never relinquished its lead, but MACU never gave up and continued to fight. WBU never held a lead larger than six points in the second half. MACU trimmed the lead down to a single possession with one minute remaining in the game, but WBU held on for the win.

Senior Stevan Thomas added another double-double to his resume, with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Tyron Goldsmith had a good game with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Senior Joe Brown contributed 17 points.

The Evangels drop to 8-20 on the season, and 4-16 in conference play.

MACU will play Oklahoma Christian University in its last road game of the regular season Thursday, Feb 28. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m.

If you are interested in playing men's basketball for MACU or would like more information about the men's basketball program, contact Coach Charles Goar at 405-692-3267 or via email at cgoar@macu.edu.