Springfield, Mo. – Evangel needed baskets in the final minutes again to pull away from Central Methodist for a 71-66 win Thursday night at the Ashcroft Center. It was Evangel's third straight game decided by two possessions or less and their third game that was tied inside the last four minutes.

Richard Chapman broke a 57-57 tie with 3:52 left in the game on a four-point play. Chapman connected on a three-pointer and was fouled on the shot. His free throw gave the Crusaders a 61-57 lead and they would not trail in the contest again.

Korry Tillery pushed Evangel back to a four point lead with 1:15 remaining on a basket in the lane giving the Crusaders a 67-63 advantage. Evangel held off the Eagles with free throws down the stretch for the win.

Tillery had 21 points and 12 rebounds earning his sixth straight double-double and his 16^th of the year. The senior from Parkview went 8 for 8 from the field and 5 for 6 at the free throw line. Brodie Wingert had a season high 18 points and added four assists.

Mitchell Farr had 15 points to lead Central Methodist.

The Crusaders improved to 17-9 and 12-3 in the Heart of America conference. They maintained a two-game lead over second place Benedictine who defeated Graceland 72-53 Thursday night and increased to a three-game lead over Missouri Valley who lost at Culver-Stockton 84-81.

Central Methodist dropped to 18-9 and 8-7 in the league.

Evangel travels to Baker on Saturday. An Evangel win would clinch at least a tie for the conference regular season championship. Tipoff is at 4 p.m. in Baldwin City, Kan.

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