Springfield, Mo. –Freshman Paige Patterson opened her college career with a 16 point, 11 rebound night and Evangel opened their 2014-15 campaign with a 53-45 win against NAIA-I preseason #7 John Brown University.

The Crusaders took a 25-17 lead in to the half holding Golden Eagles to just 26% from the field and forcing 10 turnovers.  Evangel shot 31% from the field in the first half with Patterson scoring eight.

Both teams went back and forth in the second half drawing even with 28 points apiece.  Senior Emily Akins scored all 14 of her points in the second half.

Evangel starts the season 1-0 with the win. John Brown drops to 0-1.  Evangel plays again next Tuesday when they host College of the Ozarks at Ashcroft Center.  Game time is 5:30pm.

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