Phillip Dowden (Evangel Sports Information) SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Evangel men’s basketball team fell 77-59 to 2nd-ranked William Penn Saturday afternoon in league action.
The Crusaders went back and forth with the Statesmen early in the first half before William Penn took a 34-25 lead into the locker room at intermission. Evangel struggled from behind the three-point line going just 2-of 12 in the first half and 2-of-13 in the second half.
Josue Levy scored a season-high 25 points and pulled down six boards to lead Evangel. Levy made two of the Crusaders’ four three-pointers as Nick Yocum added the other two and finished with 10 points.
William Penn out-rebounded Evangel 46-36 and shot 49 percent from the field as the Crusaders shot just 35 percent.
The Statesmen were led by Dashawn Benson who finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. William Penn has now won nine of their last 10 and continue to sit atop the Heart standings with a one-game lead over Grand View.
Evangel continues to push for a spot in the Heart Postseason Tournament hosting Baker on Wednesday evening. Tipoff from the Ashcroft Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Women
Taylor Longley scored 21 points helping lead the Evangel women’s basketball team to a second straight win, 90-83, over William Penn Saturday afternoon in conference action.
The Crusaders jumped out to an early lead and was able to keep the Statesmen at length with a 43-37 lead at halftime. Evangel was also able to force 20 William Penn turnovers helping weather a cold stretch in the final minutes for a second consecutive victory.
In addition to Longley’s 21 points, she was a perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line and added three assists and two steals. Evangel’s free throw shooting helped seal the win finishing 31-of-34 from the free throw line while William Penn was 18-of-33.
Allison Swanson and Randi Hancock each added 13 points as Evangel shot 56 percent from the field in the second half.
The Statesmen were led by Alyssa Phillips who finished with 18 points and nine rebounds.
Evangel continues home action Wednesday night against league-leading Baker. Tipoff from the Ashcroft Center is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
