Pioneers Come Up Just Short at Evangel

The Basics
Score: MNU 65 - Evangel 67
Record: MNU (15-14, 10-9), EU (20-8, 13-6)
Location: Ashcroft Center - Springfield, Mo.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The Pioneers had a final shot to win the final regular season game at Evangel, but it rimmed out for a 67-65 loss on Saturday. Evangel won the slow first half 35-30, then built a 10-point lead late in the second half. With 90 seconds left, the Valor still held a 10-point lead. Dru Smith hit a 3 and a couple free throws to cut the lead in half, and another stop led to a Trey Brown 3 for a 2-point spread. MNU earned another defensive stop, but the final 3-pointer at the buzzer bounced away harmlessly, and Evangel held on.

Turning Point
Evangel's 7-0 run in the closing minutes put them up by 10.

Individual Leaders
Trey Brown hit 4 threes for 20 points and 2 steals. Cameron Brady had 13 points and 6 rebounds. Anthony Brown added 11 points and 4 steals. And Caleb Jones-McCrary had 7 points and 10 rebounds.

Up Next
The next game is the Heart Tournament Quarterfinals on Wednesday at #1 William Penn (27-1, 18-1) at 7:00.