The Basics

Score: Evangel 81, (RV) Dordt 91 

Location: Olathe, Kan. (Cook Center)

Records: Evangel (1-1), Dordt (2-0)

Box Score 

OLATHE, Kan. -- Valor Men's Basketball hit the road for the Jeff Uphaus Memorial Classic, taking on the Dordt Defenders in their first matchup. Despite a late rally, Evangel would come up short in a comeback effort, falling 91-81 to Dordt, who is currently receiving votes in the top 25 poll.

Evangel took an early lead on Thursday night, 6-4, before Dordt responded with several three point makes to jump out to an 11 point lead. Despite scoring several baskets, the Evangel defense could not earn many stops, as Dordt took a 13-point lead over EU with 3:09 remaining in the first half, 44-31. Three straight Garrett Davault baskets helped Evangel climb back into the game, but the Defenders closed the half out with a three point make to take a 48-39 lead over EU at the break.

Dordt was able to keep Evangel at arms length in the second half and the Defenders jumped out to as large as a 20-point lead over EU, 80-60, with 6:47 remaining in the game. Over the next five minutes, the Valor fought back, using an 18-3 run to draw all the way back within five points of the lead, 83-78, with several baskets from the trio of Davault, Jacob Lafferty, and Drew McMillin. The run would come up just short for Evangel, as Dordt would close the game out on a 8-3 run, forcing EU to fall, 91-81.

QUOTABLE 

"Our effort on defense wasn't very good tonight and Dordt made us pay," head coach Bert Capel stated. "We have a quick turnaround tomorrow so we need to learn from it and move on."

NOTABLE 

• Garrett Davault led EU with 27 points and seven rebounds in the loss.

• Drew McMillin (14 pts.) and Jacob Lafferty (13 pts.) rounded out double digit scoring for EU.

UP NEXT

Evangel Men's Basketball concludes the Jeff Uphaus Memorial Classic in Olathe, Kansas, taking on Central Baptist at 5:30 p.m. on October 31st.

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