The Basics

Score: (19) Evangel 67, Graceland 75 

Location: Lamoni, Iowa (Morden Center) 

Records: Evangel (17-4, 12-3); Graceland (13-8, 8-7) 

Box Score 

LAMONI, Iowa -- After a strong victory over Heart South foe Missouri Valley, the Valor traveled four hours north to Graceland, looking to continue their winning ways. Evangel kicked off the game struggling on offense, while Graceland did not miss a beat, as the slow start hurt the Valor, ultimately leading to Evangel's fourth loss of the year, 75-67.

Graceland came out strong on offense in the first half, as the Valor had no answer for the Yellowjacket offense. It took Graceland just seven minutes to race out to a double digit lead, 16-6, as Evangel had just three baskets from Edriel Martinborough, Jace Coffie, and Josh Pritchett. Evangel was able to narrow the Graceland lead to just five points when a Stephen Salvi three put the game at 20-15, but the Yellowjackets continued to hit threes. On the final possession of the half, Graceland hit a three just before the halftime buzzer, giving the Yellowjackets their largest lead of the evening, 41-26. Graceland shot 8-12 from three in the first half, helping the Yellowjackets push out to their 15 point lead.

The Yellowjackets continued their offensive push well into the second half, continuing to outscore the Valor who could not get shots to fall. Halfway through the second period, Graceland used three consecutive free throws to take a 21 point lead, their largest of the game, 61-40. Pritchett took over after Graceland grabbed their largest lead and scored 15 points in the final 10 minutes of the game to try and will Evangel back into the game. Consecutive baskets by Autry Acord also helped the Valor comeback attempt as the Valor were able to get the game down to just a six point Yellowjacket lead when Pritchett nailed a three with 56 seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, Graceland was able to use the full shot clock and score a bucket, putting the game away as the Valor could not score on the following possession, 75-67.

NOTABLE 

• Pritchett led Evangel and continued his strong play with 28 points and six rebounds in the loss.

• Evangel shot 31.8 percent from three compared to Graceland's 52.2 percent.

• Acord came away with five steals, moving his nation leading total to 78.

• Salvi led Evangel with 10 rebounds in the loss.

• Evangel forced 15 turnovers, but only scored eight points off the 15 opportunities.

NEXT UP 

Evangel kicks off a three game homestand on Saturday (Jan. 28) afternoon at 4:00 p.m. against the Baker Wildcats in the Ashcroft Center.

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—