The Basics

Score: Evangel 59, JBU 71 

Location: Oklahoma City, Okla. (Gaulke Activity Center) 

Records: Evangel (0-4), JBU (5-0) 

Box Score 

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- After a tough loss to a strong MACU team the night before, the Valor Women's Basketball team concluded the MACU Classic with a match against 4-0 John Brown. A tough first half that saw Evangel score just 20 points and shoot only 29 percent hurt Evangel's chances to claim the upset. A strong second half nearly drew Evangel to an exceptional come from behind victory, but the Valor fell short, 71-59.

Micah Clayton kicked off scoring for Evangel on a layup and the Golden Eagles and Valor began trading baskets. With the Valor trailing, 10-7, a Giah Moore jumper made the game just a one point deficit for Evangel with 4:31 remaining in the first quarter. John Brown finished the quarter on a 9-0 run, as the Valor grew cold, trailing 19-9 heading into the second quarter.

Evangel was unable to make up any ground in the second quarter as the Golden Eagles kept up their consistent attack. Moore used a five point quarter to try and push the Valor back in contention, but JBU amassed a 20 point lead at the halftime break, 40-20. JBU shot 62 percent in the first half, leading to their large lead.

Coming out of the halftime break, the Valor slowly began to fuel their comeback effort. Kate Gilbert and Kohnnar Patton found a nice rhythm on offense, leading to the Valor out scoring the Golden Eagles by eight points, drawing Evangel to trail by just 12 at the end of the quarter, 50-38.

A great team effort by Evangel nearly pushed the Valor to take the lead in the final quarter. Trailing 56-47, Alexis Cauthon nailed two free throws and a jumper. Gilbert would score a layup with five minutes remaining in the quarter to make Evangel trail just 56-53. John Brown added four points but again Sophie Sparks and Gilbert scored to make it a three point game with three minutes left. The Valor could not overcome the three point deficit in the quarter as Evangel grew cold from the field, falling 71-59.

NOTABLE 

• Micah Clayton and Kate Gilbert led Evangel with 11 points a piece.

• Sarah Lwambo pulled down a team high seven rebounds in the loss.

• John Brown shot 54.5 percent to Evangel's 37.5 percent.

NEXT UP 

Evangel will compete in an exhibition match against the University of Central Missouri on Wednesday (Nov. 16) at 6:00 p.m. in Warrensburg, Mo.

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—