Opening conference competition on a high note, Oklahoma Christian used a late game surge to down Southern Nazarene University 74-69 in Bethany Jan. 5.

Deadlocked 67-67 with 3:10 to play, the Eagles used free throws by Jarred Merrill and a breakaway layup by Micah Miles to go up 1-0 in the conference and 12-1 overall.

Merrill, the SAC's leading scorer, led the Eagles with 27 points and 13 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season. Sophomore Brady Page scored 15 points and senior Kelly Allen followed with 11. Page and Allen each scored three field goals from behind the arc.