MACU JV Loses to SNU JV

10/30/07 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma- The Mid-America Christian University JV Evangels lost to the Southern Nazarene University JV Crimson Storm Tuesday, Oct 30. SNU outscored MACU 93-71.

The JV Evangels played neck and neck with the JV Crimson Storm throughout most of the first half, but the Crimson Storm JV went on a run and pushed their halftime lead to double digits.

SNU began to run away with game, but the JV Evangels refused to quit and stormed back. MACU would make a run and cut the lead, but the JV Crimson Storm responded and put away the JV Evangels.

Jonathan Peaslee picked up a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Brandon Moore chipped in 17 points, while Landrell Williams contributed 10 points.

The JV Evangels are 1-3 on the season.

MACU JV will travel to Warner, Okla and play Connors State Community College Thursday, Nov 1, at 7:00 p.m.

MACU JV Loses a Close Game to OBU

10/30/07 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma- The Mid-America Christian University JV Evangels lost a close game to Oklahoma Baptist University JV Bison Monday, Oct 29. OBU outlasted MACU 75-70.

The first half was back and forth, but the Evangels found themselves down 35-31 when the first half buzzer sounded.

The JV Bison went on a quick 7-0 run to start the second half, but the JV Evangels responded and pulled within single digits.

MACU was down three with less than a minute left, but they missed a three-pointer to tie the game and the JV Bison pulled off the win.

Jonathan Peaslee continues to play well for the JV Evangels, scoring 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Brandon Moore contributed 16 points, while Landrell Williams had 13 points.

The JV Evangels are 1-2.

The MACU JV team will host Southern Nazarene University JV team Tuesday, Oct 30 at 7:00 p.m.

MACU JV Struggles in the Second Half

10/29/07 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma- The Mid-America Christian University JV Evangels struggled in the second half against Oklahoma City University JV Stars Saturday, Oct 27. OCU defeated MACU 71-56.

The Stars outscored the Evangels 37-24 in the second half. MACU trailed by two points at the end of the first half, but failed to answer the Stars run in the second half.

Jonathan Peaslee led the Evangels with 16 points and seven rebounds. Jay Weast had 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

Landrell Williams contributed 11 points and six rebounds.

OCU held MACU to 34% from the field, while OCU shot 40%.

The JV Evangels fell to 1-1 on the young season.

MACU will travel to Shawnee, Okla Monday, Oct 29, and play Oklahoma Baptist University at 8:00 p.m.

Evangels Picked to Finish Eleventh in SAC Pre-Season Poll

10/25/07 Oklahoma City- The Mid-America Christian University Evangels are picked to finish eleventh in the Sooner Athletic Conference pre-season coaches poll, receiving 24 total points.

"This was the position I suspected," Coach Holley said. "We are the new kids on the block and not too many people expect us to compete."

The Sooner Athletic Conference is deemed the toughest basketball conference in the NAIA, with two of the last three National Champions coming from the SAC.

"The SAC is the toughest conference in the nation. You have to play quality opponents night in and night out," Coach Holley said in the SAC press conference on Wednesday. "We are excited to be apart of this elite conference and looking to surprise some people by making a run."

The Evangels joined the SAC in the winter of 2006, just a few months following the acceptance into the NAIA.

MACU's first conference game is at home Thursday, Nov 29 against Rogers State University at 8:00.

SAC Poll:
1. Oklahoma City University
2. Southern Nazarene University
3. Oklahoma Baptist University
4. Northwestern Oklahoma State University
5. Rogers State University
6. Wayland Baptist University
t-7. John Brown University
t-7. Lubbock Christian University
9. Oklahoma Christian University
10. University of Science and Arts-Oklahoma
11. Mid-America Christian University
12. St. Gregory's University

MACU Goes Back to Kelly Elementary

10/25/07 Oklahoma City- The Mid-America Christian University Evangels went back to Kelly Elementary and visited their biggest fans Tuesday, Oct 23. MACU went to Kelly to talk and visit with their buddies.

The Evangels talked to the third grade class about integrity and the importance of always doing what is right. Coach Willie Holley asked the kids questions about integrity and what they could do to show the personality trait.

After the kids learned about the importance of integrity, the Evangels had the chance to talk to their buddies over a cupcake and a bottle of Gatorade.

When it was time for the Evangels to leave, the kids gave them a letter and a popcorn ball, and wished them luck on the upcoming season.

"The kids and the players had a great time," Coach Holley said. "When you walk into the room and see their faces light up, it makes it all worth it. This is a great opportunity for the team to see they do have influence and people look up to them."

On December 8, the third grade class at Kelley Elementary will watch the Evangels play Oklahoma City University at the Gaulke Activity Center. Following the game the kids will have a chance to get autographs, eat pizza, and visit with their buddies.

MACU Wins First JV Opener

10/25/07 Bethany, Okla- Mid-America Christian University won their Junior Varsity opener against Southwestern Christian University Tuesday, Oct 23. MACU rallied past Southwestern 69-58.

MACU used a big second half to overcome Southwestern. The Evangels outscored outscored them 37-22 in the second half.

"We showed great perseverance Tuesday night," Head Men's JV Coach Charles Goar said. "I was very proud how they responded in the second half."

The first half was back and forth, but when the halftime buzzer had sounded the Evangels were down, 32-36.

The Evangels took control in the second half, which led to the eleven point victory.

Jonathan Peaslee had a great game with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Will Cranford contributed 13 points and four steals off the bench, while Landrell Williams had 12 points.

The JV Evangels are 1-0 in the young season.

MACU will play Oklahoma City University on the road at 2:00 Saturday, Oct 27.

Red Overcomes White

10/14/07 Oklahoma City- The Red Evangel team overcame the White Evangel team Saturday, Oct. 13 in the annual Red/White Game. The Red Evangels defeated the White Evangels 73-68.

The Red team used a strong second half to beat the White team.

The White went on a big first half run, but dug themselves too deep of a hole in the second half.

"It was a good time and I was able to see the strength and weaknesses of the team," Coach Holley said. "I believe that it was a very productive night."

(Photo Provided by Chris Sperling)

Joe Brown scored a game high 23 point and added five rebounds for the Red team.

Stevan Thomas led the White team in scoring with 16 point and contributed 6 rebounds. Clint Nixon led all Evangels in assists with seven, while Darius Gregory had four steals.

Derek Winston had 21 points and six rebounds; Tyron Goldsmith had 10 points and six rebounds.

The Evangels will travel to Conway, Ark. and play Central Baptist College Nov. 3 in the season opener. Game time is set for 4:00.

Annual Red/White Game Tomorrow

10/12/07 Oklahoma City- The Evangels will play in the annual Red/White men's basketball game Saturday, Oct. 13.

The Red/White Game is a inter squad match-up between a Red Evangel team and a White Evangel team.

"This is a great opportunity for me to see who is ready to play and who is not ready to play," Head MACU Men's Basketball Coach Willie Holley said.

Game time is 7:30. JV game is set for 4:00.

Come out and support the new Evangels!!!

Evangels Visit Kelly Elementary

9/18/07 Oklahoma City- The Evangels took time out of their busy schedules to visit their biggest fans Tuesday, September 18. The Evangels went to Kelly Elementary and visited their buddies.

The MACU basketball team has teamed up with Kelly Elementary and Mrs. Gillen's third grade class and created a buddy system between a student and an Evangel.

The Evangels and the students write letters back and forth through out the season, learning about each other.

"This is a great opportunity for the athletes to reach out to the community," Coach Holley said. "The kids have a great time and the players do to."

The Evangels talked to the kids about respect and did a few tricks for the kids.

Senior Tracy Wilkins and Junior Haves Jackson helped the kids spin a basketball on their fingers; Senior Joe Brown and Murray State transfer Derek Winston taught the kids to dribble between their legs.

After the players had showed the kids how to do tricks, it was the kids turn to try and do it better than their buddy.

"All the kids looked up to you like you were their hero," Wilkins said.

The MACU Evangels have been doing this program for four years.

On November 10, the kids will visit the Evangels when they play Ecclesia College, following the game the kids will be able to visit with their players and eat pizza.

New Era Begins

9/11/07 Oklahoma City- The first day of practice for the men’s basketball team provided much excitement for not only the new group of players on campus, but for boosters, faculty and students.

“It wasn’t one of the prettiest practices that I have held, but it was a productive one”, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Willie Holley said.

The big men got up and down the floor and the guards picked up the new drills rather easily.

Everything is new for all the Evangels except the five players returning off last year’s NCCAA Div. II National Championship team. Players returning are Stevan Thomas, Donald Thorne, Haves Jackson, Joe Brown and Tracy Wilkins.

The new players include: Josh Ball, a 6’9 transfer from Seward County Community College, 6’10 Thiago Lucas, a transfer from Western Oklahoma State College, 6’2 Clint Nixon from Angelina College, Derek Winston, 6’ from Murray State College, 6’5 Tyron Goldsmith from Seminole State College, Terrance McCollister 6’2 from Eastfield Community College, Will Cranford 6’1 transfer from Central Arkansas State University, Preston Cranford 6’7 from University of Arkansas, Pete Peterson 6’5 from Harrison, Arkansas.

The incoming freshmen include: 5’8 Donell Lewis, 5’10 Brandon Williams, 6’3 Xavier Bell, and 6’4 Darius Gregory.

“This will be a fun group to coach and a fun team to watch” Coach Holley said. “They can get up and down the floor and can shoot the ball. Rebounding and defense will be the test for this group. If they buy into our defensive system and will play hard, I think we will surprise a lot of people.

If you are interested in becoming a season ticket holder, pleases contact the athletic office at 692-3139. For information on any athletic program or activity, please call (405) 692-3139 or e-mail Coach Holley at wholley@macu.edu or athletics@macu.edu.