SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Evangel University used a late run to pull away from a tight contest as the Crusaders downed Bellevue University, 86-78, in BU's final game Saturday afternoon at the Baptist Bible College Classic played at the W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse.
The Bruins dropped their fifth-straight contest, falling to 3-5 on the season. Evangel picked up their first victory of the season, improving to 1-3 overall.
Jemeil King led the Bruins with a season-high 24 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field, including a 5-of-7 showing from behind the arc. Jonah Brown nailed four 3-pointers, finishing with 14 points. Lewis Hayes added 13 points and seven rebounds. Jaylen Wiltz was the fourth Bruin in double figures, finishing with 11 points, along with five assists and five boards.
Josh Pritchett led five Crusaders in double figures, registering 17 points and five rebounds. Pavel Antonov added 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field. Cade Coffman recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Neither team could establish control in the early going with the largest first-half lead for either squad being five points. King's 3-pointer at the buzzer tied the contest at 40-40 at the intermission.
An 8-0 BU run erased a 51-47 deficit, giving the Bruins a 55-51 lead with 12 minutes remaining in the game. The Crusaders responded with a 13-2 spurt, giving EU a 64-57 edge at the 6:30 mark.
After a four-point play by King pulled the Bruins to within three points, the Crusaders scored seven-consecutive points to build the first double-digit lead of the game for either team at 71-61 with 4:36 left in the contest.
BU managed to get to within five points when a pair of free throws by King made it 75-70 with just under two minutes remaining.
Evangel drained seven free throws in the final 45 seconds to seal the 86-78 victory.
The Bruins return to action next Friday, Nov. 20, when they travel to Hannibal, Mo. to take on Hannibal-LaGrange University at the Mabee Sports Complex. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.
