Box Score The Basics
Score: Evangel 71, Mount Mercy 55
Location: Springfield, Mo. (Ashcroft Center)
Records: Evangel (4-6, 3-2); MMU (6-4, 2-3)
Box Score
Story by Mike Bennett, contributor to www.evangelathletics.com
The play wasn't exactly pristine. In fact, it was pretty raw at times on Saturday afternoon.
The Valor missed nearly two-thirds of their field-goal attempts and had 13 turnovers. They were in foul trouble several times. They trailed by 11 points early in the game.
But the scrambling defense forced 13 steals and 18 turnovers and the offense made opportune scores.
Consequently, the final score was pretty awesome for Evangel on Saturday – 71-55 over Mount Marty in NAIA women's basketball.
The Valor recovered from the early double-digit deficit and completely controlled the second half in taking their fourth straight victory at home in the Ashcroft Center. It boosted them to 4-6 overall and – more importantly – 3-2 in the Heart Conference.
They accomplished the victory with a my-turn formula that has been a constant – win by committee. Players rotated in and out and stepped up at opportune times.
"It often comes down to the intangibles – talking to each other, crashing rebounds, being tough, making shots late in the clock," said Coach Preston Beverly. "For the players, it's what I can do to help the team."
Talk about stepping up for the team: 5-foot-5 senior guard Sophie Sparks. She scored on three inside shots late in the second quarter as the Valor surged to a 35-28 halftime lead. She totaled eight points and three rebounds in just 11 minutes of play.
Sophomore guard Jazzy Kirby had an off-day in shooting (3-for-13), but made five offensive rebounds and eight total, while also making a game-high four steals.
Players know how to play when one part of their game isn't working well, Beverly said: "It was one of those games where everybody was super focused. It showed in how we played defense."
He pointed out that three players were out sick and four had finals on Saturday morning – with a game starting at noon.
Mount Mercy had a taller front line, but Evangel led 47-39 in rebounds. Paiton Acord made seven rebounds and three steals for Evangel, while Roach had six rebounds. Berry had a team-high three assists.
"We knew we needed to battle and we did that," Beverly said.
A swarming defense did a lot to hold back the Mustangs after they surged to a 17-6 lead with 3:03 left in the first quarter. The Valor cut that to 20-14 by the end of the quarter.
Evangel then outscored the Mustangs 21-8 in the second quarter. The Valor held service and led 15-14 after the third quarter and steadily pulled away in the fourth.
They enjoyed their largest lead – at 69-49 – with 1:46 left in the game.
The Valor shot only 26-for-70 on field goals (37.1%) and 3-23 on 3-point attempts (13.0%).
Guard Sammy Mia scored a game-high 19 points and had four steals for Mount Mercy, which fell to 6-4 overall and 2-3 in conference.
Evangel returns to action with a game at Baker (Kan.) at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.
"It will be a good game," Beverly said. "We don't have a win on the road yet. It's about maintaining what we are doing at home and now taking it on the road."
