OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 5, 2016) – John Moon is a known quantity to Oklahoma Christian basketball fans, while they're no doubt looking forward to learning more about transfer guard Marcus Mathieu, who made a positive first impression on Saturday afternoon in the Eagles' Nest.

Southwestern (Kan.) led by as many as 15 points in the second half, but Mathieu and Moon lit a fire under the Eagles as they rallied for an 84-79 win in the annual homecoming exhibition game – one which also served as new OC coach Cory Cole's unofficial home debut on the sidelines.

Moon, a 7-foot senior center, was his usual dominant self, scoring 28 points to go with 10 rebounds and three blocked shots and a pair of steals. Mathieu, a 5-foot-11 junior guard from Richardson, Texas, poured in 25 points, making 3-of-4 3-point attempts, and added four assists and three steals, both team highs.

"John is the catalyst for our team," Cole said. "As he goes, the Eagles will go, and John has been playing all phases of the floor. They really challenged him on the perimeter tonight and John did a good job of covering and still helping and protecting the basket and still dominating the offense. John kind of led us on both ends tonight, which we're going to need."

Mathieu, who began his career at NCAA Division I McNeese State before spending last season at Seward County (Kan.) Community College, "is capable," Cole said. "He's a special kid. He's a true leader, a true point guard. At halftime, his motto was, 'We're not losing. We're not losing.' He just kept saying it and guys started to buy in and believe. Then he went out and backed it up and that's what we need. That's why he's here."

Both played a key role in a 19-2 run by the Eagles that turned the game around. The Moundbuilders, off to a 4-0 start in regular-season NAIA play, hit nine 3-ponters in the first half to go up 47-36 and led 55-40 after Jason Allen's basket with 17:27 left in the game.

But the shots stopped falling for Southwestern, as the Moundbuilders hit only one field goal in the next seven minutes. OC took advantage, as Moon and Mathieu each scored six points during the Eagles' big run. Mathieu's two free throws with 11:42 left tied the game at 57-57 and Moon's tip-in at the 10:58 mark gave OC its first lead since the opening minutes.

A basket by Cameron Hunt, who led Southwestern with 24 points and eight rebounds, pulled the Moundbuilders even at 59-59 with 10:20 left, but the Eagles answered with an 11-4 run and led 70-63 after a free throw by Jordan Box with 6:37 left.

Three times in the final minute, Southwestern closed within one possession, but each time, OC responded. The last time, it was a put-back basket by Moon with 1:16 left that pushed the Eagles' advantage to 79-74, and a bucket by Mathieu with 50.6 seconds left made it 81-74.

"Homecoming is a tough game," Cole said. "Southwestern is a really good team. They came in hitting on all cylinders in the first half. I think it took a half for us to kind of adjust, settle in and really just start fighting. They did that in the second half and recovered."

Another new OC guard, junior Jaquan Dupree, scored 11 points (hitting both of his 3-point attempts) and added five rebounds.

D.J. Wallace (11 points) and Reggie Surrell (10 points) also reached double figures in points for Southwestern.

With his mentor and former coach Dan Hays watching from the stands, Cole said he enjoyed his first time guiding the Eagles in the gym where he was a two-time NAIA All-America selection.

"It's a blessing," Cole said. "It's a childhood memory come full circle. The support here, the atmosphere and to get a win – not that one was needed, but to win for your family and your friends and with these guys, with that comeback – it's just special."

OC will open its regular season next Friday and Saturday in the Heartland-Lone Star Challenge in Commerce, Texas. The Eagles will face the host team, Texas A&M-Commerce, on Friday, then will play Cameron on Saturday.

Cory Cole discusses the game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNEKxqepggE&feature=youtu.be

Cory Cole's postgame interview with Eagle Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRum4Ul_0ro&feature=youtu.be

Highlights (courtesy of Eagle Media): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VLpG7TEBp0&feature=youtu.be