OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- The John Brown University men's basketball team fell 72-58 to Mid-America Christian on Thursday night (Jan. 29) inside the Gaulke Activity Center, as a decisive first-half run allowed the Evangels to take control and play from in front the rest of the evening.
Senior Donovan Lovelace and freshman Maliq Sosa led the Golden Eagles with 13 points apiece. Lovelace knocked down three three-pointers, while Sosa provided a lift off the bench, shooting 4-of-7 from the floor. Senior Josh Stewart and junior Marko Malekinusic each added 11 points, with Malekinusic also collecting eight rebounds, as JBU placed four players in double-figure scoring.
John Brown (9-11, 6-8 Sooner Athletic) shot 40 percent from the field (21-of-52) and 36 percent from three-point range (11-of-31), but Mid-America Christian finished the game shooting 50 percent overall (27-of-54) and 52 percent from beyond the arc (11-of-21). The Evangels paired that efficiency with 23 points off JBU turnovers and a 26-18 advantage in points in the paint.
All of the game's movement occurred in the opening half. The teams combined for four lead changes and two ties, all within the first eight minutes, as neither side created early separation.
Mid-America Christian seized control during a 13-0 run midway through the first half, forcing John Brown into 10 consecutive empty possessions, fueled by six turnovers. Sophomore Carter Carbonnell's triple moved the Blue and Gold in front, 10-8, then MACU dashed away with its run that spanned over six minutes, resulting in a 21-10 advantage for the hosts. JBU did not regain the lead for the remainder of the night.
Despite the deficit, the Blue and Gold received strong production from the bench in the opening half. John Brown totaled 18 first-half bench points and generated eight second-chance points – while holding the Evangels to two.
The second finished without any lead changes or ties. Mid-America Christian extended the margin by shooting 54 percent from the field (15-of-28) and 60 percent from three-point range (6-of-10) over the final 20 minutes, completing a game-high 15-point advantage in the final minute of ation.
Mid-America Christian (14-6, 8-6 SAC) was led by Morris Williams, who finished with 18 points while connecting on four three-pointers. Clance Crosby followed with 15 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting night, adding seven rebounds, while Shannon Strickland and Corey Skillman chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, to give the Evangels four players in double figures.
The Golden Eagles will take on Science & Arts (Okla.) inside the Drover Fieldhouse next on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 31) at 4 p.m. The afternoon clash will be streamed live on the SAC Sports Network and at the Urban Edge Network.
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