OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Jan. 16, 2010) – The Oklahoma Christian men's basketball team played through a heated match against Mid-America Christian University (Okla.) pulling through at the end to a 79-71 victory.

The Eagles battled through nine ties and 11 lead changes against Mid-America Christian during the first half. With 7:15 left in the first period, MACU's Bradley Cosby hit a basket to put the Evangels in the lead for the rest of the half.

Cosby's score sparked a 15-6 run for the Evangels that put the Eagles down 42-34, their largest deficit of the game. With 2:33 left in the half, OC responded with a 7-0 run to bring them within one point before halftime.

At the start of the second half, the Eagles scored two quick baskets to put themselves in back in the lead. With 18:08 left, MACU took the lead for the last time off a field goal from Brandon Williams. Jason Taylor responded with two points to put the Eagles ahead for the last time.

The score held tight until 3:46 was left in the game. MACU's Cosby hit a three to put the Evangels within one point at 68-69. The Eagles retaliated with a 10-3 run to end the game with an eight-point lead at 79-71.

No points were scored from the Eagle bench during the game, with all 79 points coming from the starters. Jason Taylor exploded scoring 31 points for the Eagles and grabbing 12 rebounds. Taylor shot with great accuracy from the free-throw line hitting nine out of 11.

Swingmen Andre Vaughn and Chad Endres scored 13 and 12 points, respectively. Vaughn pulled down nine boards and made four assists while Endres added another seven rebounds.

Perimeter duo David Jackson and Jeff Crocker scored 12 and 11 points, respectively, with Crocker making 10 assists during the game.

The Eagles are now 16-2 overall and hold an 8-2 conference record. The OC men will join the women traveling to Texas next week to take on Lubbock Christian University (Texas) on Thursday with the men's game tipping off at 8 p.m.

-OC-