“It’s playoff basketball and anything can happen.”
Those words from senior guard Josh Pritchett certainly rang true on Thursday night at Ashcroft Center.
A lot of ‘anythings’ did happen for Evangel University in a tense 87-84 victory over Central Methodist that went down to the final seconds.
Evangel made two big scoring runs and led by 15 points in each half.Â
But, the third-seeded Valor also made some inexplicable late turnovers, including a five-second call and a step over the line while inbounding the ball.Â
They had a tough time grabbing defensive rebounds at times – and also stopping Eagles guard Jaquan Morris, who swished seven treys and led all scorers with 27 points.
Ultimately, though, the Valor rose to 22-7 and advanced in the Heart Conference playoffs to a semifinal matchup at 4 p.m. Saturday at second-seeded Peru State (Neb.).
Evangel led 85-74 with 2:37 to go after a dunk by junior forward Bryce Hunt off a beautiful lob pass from senior guard Autry Acord.
But, Hunt was called for a technical foul for taunting and Morris sank both free throws to start a 10-2 finish for the Eagles.Â
Morris’ trey with 1:24 left made it 85-81. After a pair of free throws by EU junior guard Manrique Alvarado, Morris hit another trey with 38 seconds left for the final points.
“He hit some big, big shots and they were contested,” said Evangel Coach Bert Capel.
The Valor controlled the ball until a missed trey attempt, but Pritchett wrestled the rebound away from two C-M defenders with 7 seconds left. “The game was on the line.”
“You have to give it your all. Luckily, I was in the right place.”
He’s been in the right place so often this season, in fact, that he was named Heart Conference player of the year on Thursday after averaging 19.3 points per game. Pritchett scored 16 points against Central Methodist – 14 in the second half – and added eight assists, two blocks and one steal just hours after the announcement. He hit 6-of-9 field-goal attempts and was 3-3 on free throws. “I am blessed to God to have the opportunity to be here,” said Pritchett.Â
Fellow senior guard Autry Acord joined in the celebration in more than one way: First, he was 4-for-6 on treys and scored 15 points on Thursday night in 30 minutes of play. He made five assists, five rebounds and added three steals to boost his nation-leading total to 103.
Second, he was named defensive player of the year in the Heart.
Capel had high praise for Pritchett and Acord – and their major effects on the season and Thursday night’s game. “They both had great years and deserve the honors,” Capel said. “Josh has been so consistent. He’s really matured this year. He had eight assists tonight. Those were big.”Â
Capel added: “I think where Autry’s game has gotten better is on offense. He got some confidence. He’s been a big part of our offense this year.”
Bryce Hunt also scored 16 points. Graduate guard Edriel Martinborough scored 13, including back-to-back treys to open the game as Evangel was in the midst of moving ahead by 15.
But, the Eagles fought back to make it 40-40 at halftime.
They led for the only time in the opening moments of the second half before Evangel took control again and built another 15-point lead. “That’s a really good team. They are talented and play well together,” Pritchett said. “We have to do a better job of playing with the lead.”
That’s difficult in the playoffs, Capel said: “It’s hard to win by a lot. We talked about limiting their runs in the second half and taking advantage of our runs. Central Methodist is a good example of a team that wasn’t playing well at the start. They are very good.”
The sixth-seeded Eagles are 17-12 overall.
Alvarado scored 11 points (all in the second half) and made four steals for Evangel. Jace Coffie scored nine points and made six offensive rebounds. Stephen Salvi scored seven points and totaled six rebounds.
