The Basics

Final: Evangel 74, No. 18 Sterling 90 | Final Stats

Records: Evangel (3-4); Sterling (5-0)

Site: Gleason Center

STERLING, Kan. – The Valor WBB team took on Sterling College, the host of the Lonnie Kruse Warrior Classic, on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately for the Valor, their two game winning streak would be cut short by the nationally ranked Warriors, as they were defeated, 74-90.

In the first quarter, Sterling showed why they were a nationally ranked team, as they put up 29 in the opening frame. With Evangel trailing 11-16, Sterling would go on a 10-0 run to push their lead to 15 points. Abby Wildermuth and Sarah Lwambo would put an end to the Warriors run with layups. Sterling would score the final three points to lead 15-29 at the end of the first quarter. Alexis Cauthon led all EU scorers with four after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, both teams would trade baskets throughout the quarter, keeping Sterling at a 14 point lead. With 1:41 remaining in the second quarter, Sterling would finally grab another advantage, closing the quarter out on an 8-4 run, extending their lead to 18 at the half, 38-56. Cauthon led all EU scorers with 12 points at half. Sterling was led by Bailey Albright with 15 points.

The third quarter would be the lone quarter that EU would dwindle the scoring margin. Both teams would continue to trade baskets and a Wildermuth jumpshot would allow EU to outscore the Warriors 20-18 in the third quarter to trail 58-74. Both Wildermuth and Cauthon would lead Evangel with 12 points a piece.

The Valor looked good at the beginning of the fourth quarter, going on a 10-2 run sparked by five Wildermuth points, to only trail the Warriors, 68-76. Unfortunately, the run was too little, too late for EU, as Sterling would counter with a 14-6 run of their own to ultimately take the game, 74-90.

Three EU players finished in double figures, led by Wildermuth and Zoey Mullings 17 points; Cauthon also tacked on 14 for the Valor. EU shot 41.9% to Sterling's 52.4%. The Valor defense forced 17 turnovers and recorded 10 steals. Mullings led all rebounders with 5 boards. Bayley Harman recorded five assists to lead EU.

UP NEXT

Evangel will take a week off and hit the road again to match up with University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis on Nov. 22nd at 5:30 p.m.

For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, Twitter (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.  

—#OneValor—