McPHERSON, Kan. (MacBulldogs.com) — The Evangel University Valor shot 59.3 percent from the field and scored 54 points in the paint Wednesday (Feb. 7) to take down the McPherson College Bulldogs 97-88 inside the Sport Center.
Five Bulldogs scored in double figures led by Jamil Hardaway with 22 points and five rebounds. Hardaway was also a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range. Curtis Rose added 18 points seven assists and two steals, while Owen Braxmeyer finished with 14 points and six assists. Labron Wilson matched his career-high with 13 points and Quinn Collin added 12 points and five rebounds.
The Bulldogs shot 47.6 percent from the field, including 52.9 percent in the second half. MC also made a season-high 13 three-pointers, shooting at a 48.1 percent clip.
MC led 9-6 less than four minutes into the game, but an 8-0 burst by the Valor made it a 14-9 advantage. An and-one by Seth Madron pulled the Bulldogs within one, but another 9-0 spurt by Evangel pushed the lead to 23-13 with eight minutes to play in the opening frame.
The Valor led by as many as 16 late in the first half before taking a 49-35 lead into the break.
A quick 7-2 run to open the second half brought the Bulldogs back within single digits, but the Valor had an answer, pushing their lead back to 55-42.
A flurry of triples by Hardaway trimmed the lead to 59-53 with 13:13 to play, but a layup by Jace Coffie shutdown the Bulldogs’ 11-4 run. From there, timely shooting by the Valor allowed them to hold on for the win.
The Valor were led in the scoring column by Josh Mason with 23 points, while Manrique Alvarado and Garrett Davault each added 18 points. Josh Pritchett scored 17 points and Coffie finished with 13 points, and seven assists.
MC will be back at the Sport Center Saturday (Feb. 10) to take on Bethany College. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
