The Basics

Score: Evangel 63, Sterling 97

Location: Springfield, Mo. (AGFinancial Arena) 

Records: Evangel (18-11), Sterling (19-10) 

Box Score 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Valor Women's Basketball returned to action on Thursday (Feb. 27) evening, hosting the sixth-seeded Sterling College Warriors for the KCAC Conference Tournament Quarterfinals. Evangel and Sterling played a tightly contested first quarter, but a run in the second period hurt Evangel, as the Valor were unable to recover, falling 97-63, and ending their 2024-25 campaign.

In the first quarter, Sterling opened the game with a basket that Ali Kamies quickly matched, also hitting a three pointer to give EU a 5-4 lead. Resa Martin scored a layup to give EU a 7-6 lead, but this would be the final time that the Valor would lead on Thursday. A jumper from Kamies and free throws from Lexi Berry helped the Valor trail 15-12, but Sterling would take a six point lead into the second quarter, 20-14.

Sterling jumped out to a double digit lead to open the second period before baskets from Micah Clayton and Berry drew EU within six points of the Warriors lead, 30-24. Sterling closed the quarter on a 21-7 run, hitting several baskets as Evangel could not handle the Warriors pressure, trailing 51-31 at the halftime break.

Kamie Jenkins opened the second half by scoring a few baskets, making it a 57-40 ballgame with 6:48 remaining in the third period. Again, the Warriors forced several Evangel turnovers and the Valor continued their cold shooting night, as Sterling led 75-49, heading into the final quarter of play.

In the fourth and final quarter, Emily Recker scored the majority of Evangel's points, as the Valor shot just 21 percent in the period, their lowest of the night, and were 0-12 from three. The Valor fought to try and draw closer to the Warriors lead, but Sterling had full control of the game, as Evangel fell, 97-63.

QUOTABLE 

"Tonight was a rough night. It was not indicative of our awesome year. I'm so proud of this team and especially our seniors," stated Head Coach Jim Middleton. "They are wonderful! I'm thankful for a great crowd and support tonight and this year!"

NOTABLE 

• Ali Kamies led the Valor with 16 points in Thursday's contest.

• Kamie Jenkins pulled down nine rebounds in the loss.

• Jazzy Kirby passed off a team high four assists.

• Evangel shot just 36.4 percent from the floor and 8.0 percent from three (2-25), their lowest shooting percentage from long range all year.

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.