The Basics

Score: (RV) Evangel 71, Sterling 78 

Location: Olathe, Kansas (Cook Center) 

Records: Evangel (1-1); Sterling (1-1) 

Box Score 

OLATHE, Kan. -- The Valor men's basketball team concluded the Jeff Uphaus Memorial Tournament with a match against the Warriors of Sterling College, a KCAC school that Evangel will see regularly starting next season. Although down by 22 points with just seven minutes remaining, the Valor nearly fought their way back, falling just short of the mark, 78-71. 

Evangel and Sterling played a competitive first half, but a key 12-5 Sterling run in the middle of the first half gave the Warriors a lead that they took into the half, 42-33. Sterling came out blazing hot in the second half, making nearly every three they put up. With just 7:20 remaining in the game, Sterling nailed a free throw to take a 72-50 lead, as it appeared the Valor's chances had run out to make the game competitive.  

Following the free throw, the Valor ramped up their defensive pressure and began to force the Warriors to turn the ball over. Jace Coffie and Edriel Martinborough nailed jumpers as the momentum began to slowly shift in favor of the Valor. A few free throw makes later and additional jump shots from the Valor proved vital to the comeback effort, and an Autry Acord jumper capped off a 21-2 run that put Evangel within three points, 74-71. With just 20 seconds on the clock, the Valor needed to force another turnover, but were unable to do so. Four consecutive free throw makes for Sterling did the Valor in as their comeback bid fell just short, 78-71.

A solid defensive effort saw Evangel force 25 total Warrior turnovers, but a tough day shooting from three hurt the Valor as they shot just 21 percent from the mark.

NOTABLE 

• Senior Josh Pritchett recorded 18 points in the loss to lead Evangel.

• Junior Bryce Hunt shot a team high 57 percent in the loss, recording 17 points and six rebounds.

• Senior Edriel Martinborough led Evangel with four assists.

• Evangel tallied 16 steals as a team in the loss with Autry Acord leading the way with six.

• Sterling shot 54 percent from three point range, hitting 5-7 in the second half.

NEXT UP 

Evangel returns home for their home opener on Thursday (Nov. 3) evening at 7:00 p.m. against the Hornets of Harris-Stowe.

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—