MACU Sports
Levi Convirs, Sports Information Director
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Mid-America Christian University Women’s Basketball Evangels will be playing for the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Central Regional championship after cruising to a 109-57 victory over the Ecclesia College Royals in the regional semifinals tonight (Mar. 10) inside the Gaulke Activity Center. The Evangels will be facing fellow Sooner Athletic Conference member Southwestern Christian University, who defeated Crowley’s Ridge College 101-58 in the second semifinal.
The 109 points are the second most for the Evangels since joining the NAIA and the highest output since the 2014-15 season.
MACU asserted itself early on, outscoring the Royals 16-2 over the final 2:58 of the first quarter to take a commanding 38-16 lead after one period.
The Evangels continued to build the lead in the second, twice taking a cushion of 35 points before settling for a 64-31 edge at the break.
In the second half, the Evangels ballooned the lead to a game-high 54 points on three occasions.
The Evangels, now 21-11 on the season, featured a balanced scoring attack led Brittany Thompson’s career-high tying 22 points. Thompson also pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.
Sarai Rodriguez and Jamie Lamb each scored 18, with Janaya Hines putting in a career-best 15 points. Nevada Denton scored 10 and Mikki Flores dished out a game-high 10 assists.
Jaidan Alley also recorded a career-high five steals, while Lamb notched a career-best four thefts.
The Royals (13-7) were led by Mikayla Roberts’ 19 points and Lindsay Bryan chipped in with 14 points and five assists. Raquel Moore and Mrya Eatmon each had eight boards.
MACU enjoyed a 48-35 advantage overall on the glass while outscoring the Lady Royals 46-32 in the paint and 30-12 in second chance points.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s (Mar. 11) title tilt against SCU, the Evangels won both meetings in the regular season. MACU defeated the Lady Eagles 70-54 on the road and then won at home 74-69.
Tip-off for the regional championship matchup tomorrow is set for 1 pm.