Springfield, Mo. – Cody Geiger sparked a second half rally by Evangel in a 78-66 win for the Crusaders on Wednesday night over Central Methodist at the Ashcroft Center.
Geiger led all scorers with 25 points on 12 of 17 shooting from the field. The sophomore from Republic, Missouri scored 15 in the second half highlighted by a dunk with a 6:21 left and a basket moments later while Evangel outscored the Eagles 24-8 in an eight minute span.
Evangel trailed by as much as 17 in the first half but trailed 35-28 at halftime. The Crusaders scored 50 points in the second half outpacing Central Methodist 50-31.
“We were able to get in the game before halftime,” said Evangel head coach Steve Jenkins. “Richard Chapman hit two three’s late in the first half and that was a bright spot in the first half that didn’t have many good moments for us. Then we were more patient on offense in the second half and did a good job of getting the ball inside.”
Jalen Norman had a double-double for Evangel with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Chapman added 18.
Ron Lee led Central Methodist with 20 points.
Evangel improved to 5-16 and 4-9 in the Heart of America conference pulling even with Central Methodist in the standings. The Eagles dropped to 10-11 and 4-9. The loss was Central Methodist’s seventh straight.
The Crusaders are home again on Saturday as they host Graceland. Tipoff is at 4 p.m. at the Ashcroft Center.
