Feb. 8, 2008

OLATHE, Kan. -- The two leading scorers in the Heart of America Athletic Conference squared off Thursday night (Feb. 6) and did not disappoint.  No. 5 MidAmerica Nazarene's (Kan.) Adam Hepker (22.5) and No. 2 Evangel's (Mo.) Jackson Capel (21.3) both scored over 30 points as MNU came away with a 93-85 overtime victory.  Capel was able to score 33 despite the relentless and remarkable defense of Brenton Bell (2 blocks, 3 steals) and Vince Thompkins.  Hepker poured in 36 points and included five assists.

The game was a rebound win for MNU after Evangel scored a 79-65 victory two weeks ago in Springfield, Mo.

The game started with a 7-0 run by Evangel, but MNU stayed poised and answered with nine straight points to take the lead.  The game stayed tight until 5 minutes into the second half when Evangel took an 8-point lead.  That's when MNU's Brandon Cameron entered the game.  After a Pioneer field goal, Cameron nailed a 3 to cut the 6-point deficit in half.  A few minutes later, with MNU trailing by 2, Cameron hit another 3 to take the lead.  A quick steal by Brenton Bell brought the crowd to its feet, and Cameron drilled another shot from long range to send the Cook Center into a frenzy.

Evangel fought back to tie the game with one minute remaining, but niether team could score in the final few possessions of regulation and the game was sent to overtime.  Hepker started the overtime session with 2 free throws and a 3-pointer and the Pioneers never looked back.  Building the lead to as much as 12 points with great defense and clutch free throws, MNU clamped down and prevented any potential Evangel run.

Cameron didn't miss a shot (5-5 FG, 4-4 3pt, 2-2 FT) and ended up with 16 points.  Danny Hawkins was double and triple teamed all night and was still able to come away with 12 points and 17 rebounds.  Brenton Bell chipped in with 14 points.

MNU is 21-3 (11-3 HAAC).  The next game is Saturday @ Central Methodist University (16-9, 11-4) at 4 pm.  MNU beat CMU 71-59 at home earlier in the season.