Springfield, Mo. – Evangel's Alison Jarrell hit three-pointer with 1:16 left that brought the Crusaders from two-points down to leading 54-53 and lifting Evangel to a 58-53 win over Peru State Saturday at the Ashcroft Center. The win snapped a six game losing streak for the Crusaders.

The win was head women's basketball coach Leon Neal's 400^th victory of his 21-year career.

"I was just happy to see my team that happy after the game," said Neal. "We fell behind but they kept fighting and we had a chance at the end. (Jarrell's three) was a play we ran well. They did a good job of getting the ball inside and we were able to kick it outside so she could get an open look."

Evangel hit four free throws down the stretch to close out the game.

Reggine Brown and Allison Swanson led a balanced Evangel team in scoring with 12 points each.  Paige Patterson had her second career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Jessica Lessman added 11 points in the win.

The Bobcats were led by Karlee Stuart with 14 and Shelbie Hess added 13.

Evangel held Peru State to just 29 % from the field (16 for 54). The Crusaders had the advantage on the boards 42 to 34.

The Crusaders improved to 5-14 on the season and 4-7 in the Heart of America conference. Peru State dropped to 6-15 and 2-9 in the HAAC.

Evangel plays again Saturday when they travel to Culver-Stockton. Game time is 2:00 p.m. in Canton, Mo.

For additional information, contact:
Kevin Kennedy, Evangel University Athletics, (417) 865-2815, ext. 7260