Evangel University of the Assemblies of God

The Basics

Score: (RV) Evangel 68, #20 College of the Ozarks 60

Records: Evangel (2-0), College of the Ozarks (1-2)

Location: Springfield, Mo. (AGFinancial Arena)

Box Score 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Evangel Women's Basketball opened their home slate on Tuesday (Nov. 3) night, hosting the College of the Ozarks Bobcats in AGFinancial Arena, searching to start a winning streak against their longtime rival. The Valor used a dominant fourth quarter to fuel their way to a 68-60 win over the Bobcats on Tuesday.

Baskets from Kamie Jenkins and Lydia Babirye put EU ahead 4-0, but the Bobcats quickly responded with an 8-0 run to take a 8-4 advantage. Back-to-back baskets from Jenkins tied the game up, as the senior would not be denied in the period. C of O was able to match EU basket for basket and took a six point advantage, before Jenkins closed the quarter with a pair of free throws, making it a 22-18 game at the end of the first quarter.

The Bobcats came out firing in the second quarter, as C of O took a 15-point advantage with 3:36 remaining in the first half, 38-23. Three pointers from Babirye and Evin Montgomery dwindled C of O's lead to single digits, 38-29. Babirye closed the half with seven straight points, helping to swing momentum as Evangel trailed at the break, 43-36.

Babirye and Alyssa Walker both nailed three pointers out of the halftime break for Evangel to put them within a point of tying the game up. A Marlie Wright three pointer at the 5:02 mark gave EU a 49-47 lead over C of O, their first since the opening moments of the contest. The Bobcats were able to close the half on a 7-2 run, as the Valor trailed, 54-51.

C of O scored four points to open the fourth quarter, taking a 58-53 advantage, but Evangel was able to completely swing momentum, as the Valor defense took over. EU forced several Bobcat turnovers, resulting in easy baskets and fueling a 15-0 run over the final seven minutes of play. Babirye and Walker fueled Evangel on the run, guiding the Valor to an improbable come from behind victory, 68-60.

QUOTABLE

"I'm proud of the way our team embraced the challenge of hosting a rivalry game and nationally ranked opponent tonight. We played with toughness, composure, and a lot of heart after shaking off nerves from the first half," stated head coach Madi Wallace. "Our response and commitment going into the second half was strong. Now we will go back to work to prep for another ranked opponent on Friday!"

NOTABLE 

• Lydia Babirye led the charge for EU, scoring 27 points in Tuesday's win.

• Alyssa Walker (16 pts.) and Kamie Jenkins (14 pts.) rounded out double digit scoring on Tuesday.

• Jenkins pulled down a team high 16 rebounds in the win.

• Babirye came away with a team high seven steals on Tuesday.

UP NEXT

The Evangel Women's Basketball team travels to Atchison, Kan., on Friday and Saturday (Nov. 6/7), taking on the #15 Benedictine Ravens and the John Brown Golden Eagles at the Benedictine Classic.

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—