Springfield, Mo. – Evangel pulled away from Avila late for a 73-63 win in the Heart of America conference tournament quarterfinals Thursday at the Ashcroft Center.

The Crusaders trailed 57-56 with 4:04 remaining before going on a 9-3 run in a two minute span to take control of the game.

Evangel forward Korry Tillery had a game high 23 points and 12 rebounds picking up his 18^th double-double of the season. Nick Yocum added 16 for the Crusaders.

"It wasn't a pretty game," said Evangel head coach Steve Jenkins. "Avila gets in the passing lane and they forced a lot of turnovers. We turned the ball over 20 times and didn't shoot a great percentage but we hit enough free throws to win."

Evangel went 20 for 46 from the field shooting 44 percent but connected on 27 of 36 free throws while Avila went 9 for 16 from the foul line and 25 for 63 from the floor for 40 percent.

The Eagles were led by Nduka Ezeamii with 16 points while Sedrick Johnson had 15.

The game was tied at halftime 30-30 and the Eagles quickly took a four point lead early in the second half before a 12-2 Evangel run put them in front 46-40 with 12:49 left. Avila responded to draw even and took a late lead before Evangel's run in the final four minutes.

The Crusaders improved to 19-11 and ended the Avila's season at 15-15.

Evangel advances to the conference tournament semifinals where they will host Peru State on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Ashcroft Center. The Bobcats won at Culver-Stockton 92-89 on Thursday.

HAAC Quarterfinals

#1 EVANGEL 73 #8 Avila 63

#5 Peru State 92 #4 Culver-Stockton 89

#3 Missouri Valley 65 #6 MidAmerica Nazarene 62

#2 Benedictine 75 #7 Central Methodist 62