Kansas City, Mo. – Evangel's rally from a 21-point deficit fell short in a loss to sixth ranked Dalton State (Ga.) 85-74 Friday in the second round of the NAIA-I national tournament in Kansas City.

The Crusaders trailed 45-28 at halftime and then fell behind 58-37 with 13:15 remaining. Evangel then mounted a 16-3 run capped by a three-point basket by Billy Thompson that cut Dalton State's lead to 61-53 minutes later.

Evangel got as close as seven in the final three minutes but the Roadrunners hit free throws down the stretch to close out the game.

"We battled and at least made a game of it," said Evangel head coach Steve Jenkins. "(Dalton State) is a tough team to come back against. They don't play fast when they have a lead, they're a good free throw shooting team and they take care of the ball."  

Korry Tillery led Evangel with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The senior from Springfield-Parkview ended his college career with his 22^nd double-double of the season. During the tournament, Tillery broke Evangel's single season rebounding record and ended the year with 380 boards. He broke a record that had belonged to Joe Overton since 1973.

Billy Thompson II added a career high 17 points and had 9 rebounds coming off the bench for Evangel.

Dalton State (29-4) got 22 points and 12 rebounds from their 6-10 center LaDaris Green while Jamaine Burry and Jordan Bowling each had 17 points.

The Roadrunners shot 12 for 25 from three-point range while Evangel connected on just 7 for 29 from behind the arc.

"It was tough in our locker room after the game," said Jenkins. "This was a special group to me. I hate to see the year come to an end for them. They far surpassed expectations and I'm really proud of them."

Evangel ends the year with a 21-13 record. They advanced to the national tournament by winning the Heart of America conference regular season title. The year marked Evangel's sixth straight national tournament appearance and it was their fourth trip to the NAIA-I round of 16 in five years.

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