Crusaders host Central Methodist Eagles
January 17, 2008
Contact: Evangel University Athletics 865-2815, Ext. 7282
Game 19
No. 3 Evangel hosts Central Methodist
5:30 p.m. January 24
Ashcroft Center: Springfield, Mo.
Evangel Radio Broadcast and Webcast
ESPN Radio (KGMY, 1400 AM)
www.allinbroadcasting.com
Play-by-play: Ed Beach
Crusaders’ Notes
- Evangel has moved up one spot in the NAIA II national rankings this week to No. 3. MidAmerica Nazarene moved from No. 8 to No. 4.
- Jackson Capel has averaged 27.5
points over the last four games
(31,30,24,25), making 50.6 percent of
his field goals (39-77) and 47.8
percent of his 3-pointers (22-46). - In the last five games, Shane Nicholson has averaged 2.2 steals and 8.2 assists, includ a career-best 14 at Missouri Valley. He is ranked No. 2 in the conference in assists.
- Jackson Capel is ranked No. 3 in
NAIA II 3-pointers made per game
(4.3), No. 5 in 3-point percent (.517),
and No. 9 in scoring (22.0). In conference
stats he is No. 1 in scoring, No. 2
in 3-point field goal percentage, No. 1
in free throw percentage, No. 1 in 3-
pointers made per game. - Since EU’s game at Southwest Baptist on Dec. 18 (8 games), Joel Brown has made just one trip to the foul line, hitting his only attempt at Bethany (Calif.) on Dec. 29.
- Brothers Chad and Todd Simon
have led EU’s rebounding over the
last five contests. Chad has aveaged
6.6 rebounds and Todd 5.4.
P Shane Nicholson’s 5.6 assist average ranks No. 11 in NAIA II. - As a team on the national stats, Evangel ranks No. 4 in assists (19.6), No. 6 in field goal percentage (.503), No. 7 in 3-point percentage (.422), No. 8 in scoring defense (62.4), No. 8 in total rebound defense (28.8) and No. 10 in assist/turnover ratio (1.22).
Runnin’ Eagles’ Notes
- Central Methodist has won five games in a row, including an impressive 63-59 victory at William Jewell on Jan. 12.
- Anthony Love is nearly averaging in double figures. He is scoring 14.3 points per game and bringing down 8.1 rebounds.
- CMU ranks No. 1 in the nation (NAIA II) in 3-point field goal percentage (.463). The Runnin’ Eagles are No. 9 in steals per game (10.7).
- Matt Sherman, the coaches’ son, is one of the main reasons for CMU’s 3- point success. He leads the conference and is ranked No. 4 in NAIA II 3-point percentage (.519) and ranks No. 2 in the conference (EU’s Capel is No. 1) and No. 4 in NAIA II 3-pointers made per game (4.3).
- Anthony Love ranks No. 3 in conference field goal percentage (.565) and is No. 3 in rebounding (8.1).
- In addition to his 3-point shooting prowess (see above), Matt Sherman ranks No. 7 in scoring (16.9) on the conference stat report.
- The Runnin’ Eagles’ Anthony Love (2.6) and Jeff Blauvelt (2.3) are Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, in steals on HAAC stats.
- Sid Stanley ranks No. 5 in conference assists (4.3).
The Series, EU vs. CMU
Evangel leads the series 41-23. EU had won 13 straight games vs. Central Methodist before losing 77-59 in Fayette, Mo., on Feb. 11, 2006. Since then, EU has won the last three, including this season’s game in Fayette - 72-69 in overtime. At home, Evangel leads the series 20-6 and has won the last 12 meetings in Ashcroft Center. CMU’s most recent win at EU was on Jan. 17, 1998 by an 81-77 score.
Dial Wins HAAC Award
Evangel senior Tim Dial was selected as the Heart of America Athletic Conference player of the week on Jan. 22. Dial, a 2004 Hillcrest High School graduate, is just now playing himself back into shape after a bout with mononucleosis that sidelined him from Dec. 6 to Jan. 5.
In Evangel’s two wins last week, Dial averaged 21.0 points and 7.0 rebounds. He made 78.9 percent of his field goals (15-19) and 12 of 14 free throws (85.7). In addition, Dial was credited with four assists and a steal. He accomplished these stats while averaging only 22.5 minutes per game.
Most Recent Meeting
Evangel outscored Central Methodist in overtime, 14-11, to win this season’s Nov. 29 game, 72-69. Central Methodist won the rebounding battle, 39-29, but had more turnovers, 23-16 and EU scored 25 points off those turnovers. From the field, EU hit 47.4 percent and 47.1 percent from 3-point range (8-17). CMU had a 44.1 field goal percentage and made 38.9 percent of its treys (7- 18). At the line, Evangel struggled, making just 10 of 21 (.476). CMU made 10 of 15 charity tosses (.667).
Four Evangel players scored in double figures. Spud Harbour came off the bench to pour in 21 points. Tim Dial had 15. Jackson Capel contributed 11 points and Shane Nicholson added 10. EU’s rebounding was led by Nicholson and Dial. Both had six rebounds.
Central Methodist’s scoring was led by Sid Stanley’s 29 points and Anthony Love’s 20. Jeff Blauvelt led all rebounders with 12 (all defensive boards).
| Rank | Team | Conference Record |
Overall Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evangel | 8-0 | 15-3 |
| 2 | MidAmerica Nazarene | 7-2 | 17-2 |
| 3 | Central Methodist | 7-3 | 11-8 |
| William Jewell | 7-3 | 11-9 | |
| 5 | Benedictine | 5-4 | 10-8 |
| 6 | Lindenwood | 5-5 | 11-9 |
| 7 | Culver-Stockton | 4-6 | 7-12 |
| Missouri Valley | 4-6 | 4-15 | |
| 9 | Avila | 2-8 | 5-13 |
| Baker | 2-8 | 5-14 | |
| Graceland | 2-8 | 5-14 |