Nov. 13, 2007

Final Stats

11.13.07 - 11/13/07 OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla- The Mid-America Christian University Evangels prevailed to a 75-74 victory against the Southwestern College Moundbuilders Tuesday, Nov. 13. The Evangels used clutch free-throw shooting to pull out the win.

"Southwestern is a tough team with a lot of athleticism," Head Coach Willie Holley said. "I am proud of the way our boys kept it together throughout the game."

The Moundbuilders jumped out to a double digit lead early on the Evangels, but MACU regrouped and trimmed the lead back down to single digits.

MACU found themselves down eight with second remaining, until Tyron Goldsmith picked up his own rebound on a hustle play and scored a lay-up as time expired in the first half.

The Evangels went into the locker room down 41-35.

The second half was back and forth and the Evangels were inching closer and closer to taking the lead. MACU took 65-62 lead, their largest lead of the game, with 5:37 remaining. The Moundbuilders answered back and regained the lead.

MACU found themselves down 74-71 with one minute left in the game, but Senior Donald Thorne hit a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 74 apiece.

The Evangels forced a turnover and had the ball with seconds remaining and a chance to win the game. Southwestern forced a turnover with fifteen second left. With time running out Senior Joe Brown intercepted a pass and was fouled, which sent him to the line with one second remaining.

Brown's first attempt was in and out, but his second attempt rattled in and the Evangels took a 75-74 lead with one second left. The Mounbuilders desperation shot fell short and the Evangels pulled out the improbable win.

Brown finished the game with 23 points and went 7 for 11 from the line. Thorne had 13 points and seven rebounds, while Junior Clint Nixon contributed 13 points and six assists. Goldsmith came off the bench and gave a solid performance with 10 points and nine rebounds. Senior Stevan Thomas grabbed ten rebounds.

The Evangels improve to 3-1 on the season.

MACU will play in the Sleep Inn Classic this weekend on the campus of Oklahoma Christian University. The Evangels will play Southeast University Friday, Nov. 16 at 6:00 p.m.