Springfield, Mo. – Evangel held off Baker to stay unbeaten in conference play with a 68-62 win at the Ashcroft Center Saturday.

The Crusaders led by 11 midway through the second half before the Wildcats chipped away and pulled as close as four with 5:01 remaining. Evangel made free throws down the stretch to pull back ahead for the win.

Korry Tillery led Evangel with 28 points. The senior from Springfield-Parkview went 17 for 17 from the free throw line and connected on four foul shots inside the game's last 1:30. Richard Chapman added 12 points for the Crusaders.

Baker was led by Tyrome Parker with 23 points and Javion Gray had 18.

"I thought Baker's defensive effort was tremendous," said Evangel head coach Steve Jenkins. "They're quick, they jump well, they made it tough on us to score around the basket and on the perimeter they didn't give us many open looks. I'm happy we got through it to get a win in the conference."

Evangel went 32 for 39 at the foul line in the game. The Crusaders attempted a season low 41 shots hitting 16. Baker went 18 for 50 from the floor shooting 36 percent.

Evangel improved to 11-6 and 6-0 in the Heart of America conference. Baker lost their fifth straight game and dropped to 7-9 and 1-6 in the HAAC.

Evangel is home again Monday afternoon against Culver-Stockton. Tipoff is 4 p.m. at the Ashcroft Center.