The Basics

Score: Evangel 69, Missouri Valley 87 

Location: Marshall, Mo. (Burns Athletic Center) 

Records: Evangel (6-7, 5-3), Missouri Valley (7-7, 3-5) 

Box Score 

MARSHALL, Mo. -- After 18 days off from play, the Valor traveled to Marshall, Mo., to take on the Vikings of Missouri Valley. Although Evangel was consistent with their offensive attack, the Vikings had a strong second half, resulting in a Valor loss, 69-87.

The Valor found themselves down 4-0 to kick off the game, but back-to-back threes by Alexis Roach and Lexi Berry gave Evangel their lone lead of the match, 6-4. The Vikings used the next three minutes to go on a 14-4 run and take a 18-10 lead with four minutes left in the quarter. Back and forth baskets between both teams kept the Valor close to the Vikings as they trailed, 23-18, at the end of the quarter.

Evangel and Missouri Valley played a narrow second quarter, with neither team able to make any distance on the scoreboard. Alexis Cauthon could not be stopped in the second quarter, scoring 10 points on 4-6 shooting as the Valor trailed, 41-36, heading into the halftime break.

The Valor kicked off the second half with strong offensive play from Micah Clayton, who nailed a three pointer and a jumper to tie the game up at 41 apiece. Evangel and Missouri Valley traded baskets and a Giavanna Moore jumper gave MVC a 55-50 lead. Sadie Chisum responded with a jumper of her own with 1:27 remaining to make it, 55-52. In the final 1:27, Missouri Valley went on a 7-1 run to extend their lead, 62-53 at the end of the quarter.

Missouri Valley hit crucial threes in the fourth quarter to hurt the Valor's chances of a comeback as Evangel could not draw closer to the Vikings lead. Giavanna Moore was the Vikings' catalyst in the quarter, scoring 12 points alone to push the Vikings to the victory over Evangel, 87-69, breaking the Valor's four game winning streak.

NOTABLE 

• Alexis Cauthon led Evangel with 12 points, all coming in the first half.

• Paiton Acord pulled down a team high six rebounds.

• The Valor were outshot 40.3% to MVC's 53.2%.

• Sadie Chisum, Micah Clayton, and Paiton Acord all scored 11 points in the loss.

• Evangel forced the Vikings into 20 turnovers.

NEXT UP 

Evangel will host the Pride of Clarke on Saturday (Jan. 7) afternoon at 12:00 p.m. 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—