October 26, 2006
Contact: Evangel University Athletics 865-2815, Ext. 7282
Springfield, MO. — At today’s Heart of America Athletic Conference basketball media luncheon in Kansas City, the Evangel men were picked to win the conference title and the EU women were picked third.
Head men’s coach Steve Jenkins’ team received seven of the first-place votes and totaled 97 points. MidAmerica Nazarene garnered the remaining four first-place votes and totaled 93 points. Lindenwood was picked third with 83 points. The 2005-06 Evangel men ended their season with a 24-11 record and were ranked No. 20 on the final NAIA II poll. EU tied for third place in the conference with MidAmerica Nazarene, however, the Crusaders caught fire and won the conference postseason tournament and advanced to the second round of the NAIA II national tournament.
With 77 total points, the Lady Crusaders were picked below MidAmerica Nazarene (98 points) and Benedictine (84). MidAmerica Nazarene received eight first-place votes and Benedictine had the remaining three. Head coach Leon Neal’s team ended last season with a 15-16 record and tied with Baker for fourth place in the league. In the conference postseason tournament, Evangel and Baker met in the quarterfinal round and after three overtimes EU dropped an 84-77 decision.