Evangel was outscored 51-40 in the second half as they fell at Benedictine 81-70 in Atchison, Kansas on Saturday.
The game was tied 32-32 at halftime and had 11 lead changes in the first. In the second half, however, the Ravens hit 16 of 22 shots including 4 of 5 three-point attempts. The Crusaders could not keep pace going just 16 for 42 in the second half and they missed all 16 three-point tries that half.
Evangel got 15 points from Cody Geiger and Billy Thompson II had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. John Harris, Jr. had 22 points for Benedictine to lead all scorers.
The loss dropped Evangel's record to 2-11 and 1-4 in the Heart of America conference. Benedictine improved to 8-3 and 2-3 in the league.
The Crusaders return home Wednesday to face. Avila. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. at the Ashcroft Center.
Women
Seventh ranked Benedictine used a smothering defense holding Evangel to a season low 36 points and 23 percent shooting from the field in a 58-36 Ravens win in Atchison, Kansas on Saturday.
Evangel hit just 12 of their 53 shot attempts from the floor and missed on all 18 three-point tries in the game.
They trailed 28-19 at halftime and climbed within three points of the lead midway through the third quarter. Leading 28-25, Benedictine got a three-point play from Saige Baalman and a three-point basket from Jordan Kramer moments later sparking them to a run that took their lead back to double-digits.
The Ravens outscored Evangel 30-11 in the last 14 minutes of regulation and held Evangel to just five points in the fourth quarter.
Reggine Brown led the Crusaders with 10 points while Kramer led all scorers with 12 points for Benedictine.
Evangel dropped to 3-7 and 2-3 in the Heart of America conference. Benedictine improved to 12-1 and 4-1 in the conference.
The Crusaders are back at home on Wednesday when they host Avila. Tipoff is 5:30 p.m. in the Ashcroft Center.
