February 1, 2008
Contact: Evangel University Athletics 865-2815, Ext. 7282
Game 23
No. 4 Evangel vs. Benedictine
4 p.m. February 2
Ralph Nolan Gymnasium: Atchison, Kans.
Evangel Radio Broadcast and Webcast
ESPN Radio (KGMY, 1400 AM)
www.allinbroadcasting.com
Play-by-play: Ed Beach
Evangel won 88-58 on Jan. 31 at Avila in Kansas City. The Crusaders made 53.7 percent from the field, including 8 of 16 from 3-point range, and made 22 of 26 free throws for an 84.6 percentage. Avila was accurate on 35.1 percent of its field goals and 10 of 11 free throws for a 90.9 percentage. The Eagles made just 8 of 22 treys (.364). Under the glass, Evangel had a 39-28 rebound advantage, and EU had fewer turnovers, 17-21.
Spud Harbour came off the bench to lead Evangel in points and rebounds. He poured in 20 points and brought down six rebounds. Harbour made 5-of-10 from the floor (3-6 3s) and 7-of-7 free throws. Todd Simon added 16 points. Jackson Capel and Shane Nicholson added 12 points apiece. Nicholson added five assists to his stats.
Avila’s Tavan Sills, who did not start, led the host Eagles with 15 points. Eric Arnold added 11 points.
This is the first game between EU and BC in 2007-08. Last season, the teams met three times and Evangel won two of the games. Benedictine won at Evangel, 76-67, on Dec. 2. Evangel then won 77-58 in Atchison on Jan. 27. In the conference tournament, EU prevailed 84-81 at home in the semifinal round on Feb. 24.
Evangel won at Avila, 88-58, on Jan. 31
Benedictine lost a home to William Jewell, 76-66, on Jan. 31
Evangel: Steve Jenkins (Evangel, 1974; 26th year, 461-351)
Benedictine: Dr. Joe Brickner (St. Benedict’s, 1970; 10th year; 139-168)
Evangel leads the series with Benedictine, 25-14. The teams split their regular season games in 2007 and the EU won at home in the conference tourney (see above). In Atchison, Evangel has won the last six games and has a 10-7 edge. Benedictine’s last win in Atchison against Evangel was on Feb. 17, 2001, in overtime, 93-84.
William Jewell led 35-25 at the half and that lead was the difference in the game as both teams scored 41 points in the second 20 minutes.
Benedictine’s bench outscored William Jewell’s bench, 25-10, led by Jack Johnson with 14 points. Nick Larson contributed 13 points as did Dan VanDyke. Larson nearly had a double-double with a game-high nine rebounds.
William Jewell made 52.3 percent of its field goals to BC’s 40.7. WJ made 10 of 16 treys (.625), while Benedictine had trouble finding the target, making 4 of 20 treys. At the line, BC held the advantage (69.2, 18-26 to 58.8, 20-34). WJ had 39 rebounds to BC’s 25 and the visiting Cardinals had fewer turnovers, 15-10. Kyle Fisher (22 points), Larry Mandacina (20) and Jordan Jamestown (15) led William Jewell’s offense.
| Rank | Team | Conference Record |
Overall Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evangel | 10-1 | 17-4 |
| 2 | Central Methodist | 9-3 | 14-8 |
| 3 | MidAmerica Nazarene | 8-3 | 18-3 |
| William Jewell | 8-3 | 12-9 | |
| 5 | Benedictine | 6-5 | 11-9 |
| 6 | Missouri Valley | 6-6 | 6-15 |
| 7 | Lindenwood | 5-7 | 11-11 |
| 8 | Culver-Stockton | 4-8 | 7-14 |
| 9 | Avila | 3-9 | 6-14 |
| Graceland | 3-9 | 6-15 | |
| 10 | Baker | 2-10 | 5-16 |