Springfield, Mo. – Evangel played 16th ranked Central Methodist for nearly three quarters before the Eagles raced out on a 10-1 run to end the third period in a 66-51 win over the Crusaders at the Ashcroft Center on Wednesday night.
Evangel fell behind 17-12 in the first quarter before finishing the half down four, 32-28. The Eagles were able to keep Evangel at arms' length in the third quarter before their run that opened up a nine point lead.
"We played well defensively and held a team that averages 80 points a game to 66," said Evangel head coach Leon Neal. "We gave ourselves a chance but we missed too many lay-ups. We missed 15 lay-ups and that really hurt us."
Mackenzie Farmer led Evangel with 19 points and four rebounds. Farmer was 8 for 18 from the field and had Evangel's only two three pointers of the contest.
Alissa Campanero led the Eagles with 26 points and six assists, with Lexie Moe adding 12 points and 10 rebounds.
With the loss, Evangel's record drops to 5-13 and 4-9 in the Heart of America conference. Central Methodist improves to 17-2 and 12-1 in the conference.
Evangel plays the second of two straight home games when they welcome Graceland to the Ashcroft Center on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
