THE BASICS

Score: Evangel 63 – College of the Ozarks 83

Records: Evangel (01); College of the Ozarks (4-1)

Location: Springfield, Mo. – Ashcroft Center

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Evangel University men's basketball team fell in its season opener, 83-63, Tuesday night against College of the Ozarks in non-conference action.

The Crusaders (0-1) jumped out to an early lead that would slip away by the end of the first half with College of the Ozarks (4-1) taking a 32-27 advantage into the locker room. Early foul trouble also plagued Evangel as 14 different players saw action in the first game.

Evangel was able to hold the Bobcats to 39 percent shooting from the field, however, they shot 80 percent from the free throw line going 17-of-19 while the Crusaders shot 55 percent on 14 attempts.

Senior Richard Chapman led Evangel with 15 points and eight rebounds as the only Crusader in double figures. Evangel was also just 2-of-15 from behind the three-point arc while College of the Ozarks knocked down seven three-pointers.

The Bobcats were led by Cameron Paschke's 29 points after going 15-of-16 from the free throw line.

Marcus Miller was just shy of a double-double for Evangel adding eight points and eight boards in the loss.

Up Next

Evangel hits the road as they open conference play on Saturday at Peru State. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.

For the latest information on Evangel athletics, follow the Crusaders on Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelAthletics or go to www.EvangelAthletics.com.

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