From MACU Sports Info.
Levi Convirs, Sports Information Director
OKLAHOMA CITY — Junior forward Jerrick Massenburge drilled a cold-blooded three with 2.7 seconds left to give the Mid-America Christian University Evangels an 81-78 victory at the Oklahoma City University Stars tonight (Jan. 10) at Abe Lemons Arena on the OCU campus.
The victory is the 798th of MACU head coach Willie Holley’s legendary career, only two away from the milestone 800th win.
The Evangels had to rally after a putback by Dorion Gigger gave OCU a 78-74 lead with 1:32 remaining.
From there, a layup by Josh Smith brought the Evangels within two and MACU got the ball back after an offensive foul on the Stars at the 1:00 mark.
Semar Farris then tied the score with a layup six seconds later and another defensive stop set up Massenburge’s heroics.
The Evangels (10-6, 3-1 SAC) led most of the way, building the lead as high 15 in the first half before settling for a 46-39 lead at the break.
After the Evangels stretched the lead back to 11 at the 17:02 mark of the second half, the Stars battled back to tie the score as a three-point play by Gary Inglett capped a 12-1 spurt that made it 53-53.
Five straight points from Brock Hunter put the Evangels back on top and MACU held the lead until an 6-0 run gave the Stars their first lead of the game at 76-74 with 2:31 remaining.
Hunter led the Evangels with career-highs of 18 points and five assists. Farris also had five assists along with 17 points and a team-high eight rebounds. Jarius Wilson chipped in with 16 points for the Evangels.
Inglett paced the Stars (6-4, 2-2 SAC) with 24 points and eight boards, while Tharone Chilton scored 14 and R.J. McGhee added 12 points.
The Evangels enjoyed an advantage on the glass to the tune of 41-35 overall and a 15-7 lead on the offensive boards.
MACU will get another chance for a statement win when they host 12-1 and No. 15-ranked Wayland Baptist University next Thursday night (Jan. 15) at 8 p.m. inside the Gaulke Activity Center.