Lamoni, Iowa -- Evangel lost for the eighth time in nine games in an 87-77 defeat at Graceland on Saturday.

The Crusaders trailed 48-41 early in the second half but went cold from the field and were outscored 27-8 over a 12 minute span that saw Graceland post a 75-49 lead with 6:26 remaining.

Evangel rallied and the cut the margin to 10 and had the ball with 50 seconds remaining but Graceland held off the late charge for the 10 point win.

Evangel forward Cody Geiger led all scorers with 24 points. The total was a career high for the sophomore from Republic. Billy Thompson II added 15 for the Crusaders.

Daymond Cowlah led Graceland with 22 points.

Evangel fell to 1-8 and 1-3 in the Heart of America conference. Graceland improved to 8-4 and 3-1 in the league.

The Crusaders return to action on Tuesday when they host College of the Ozarks for a 7 p.m. in the Ashcroft Center.