Feb. 21, 2008

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Shane Nicholson, Evangel's (Mo.) 6-foot junior point guard, broke the Evangel career assists record on Feb. 18 during the Crusaders' 80-64 home win against Benedictine (Kan.) College. He dished out four assists in that game to bring his career total to 443 assists. The previous record of 439 was held by Brian Soukup (1995-99).

In addition, on Feb. 9 against Graceland University Nicholson scored 15 points and became the 27th Evangel player - and the fourth on the current EU squad - to score 1,000 points in a career.  The Ash Grove, Missouri, product has now scored 1,038 points. Nicholson is averaging 9.9 points per outing and his 5.8 assists per game average ranks No. 7 in NAIA II.

"Breaking the career assist record in only his junior year shows that Shane brings out the best in his teammates, as a great point guard should." stated Evangel head coach Steve Jenkins. "Shane being the fourth player on our current team that has scored over 1000 points makes him an even more accomplished player. I know he could score a lot more for us, but his unselfish play really helps us be a great team."

The Crusaders are currently ranked No. 3 in NAIA II and holding onto the No. 1 spot in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Evangel (23-5, 16-2 HAAC) has two games left on its regular season schedule and both are conference contests. On Feb. 21 the Crusaders will travel to William Jewell in Liberty, Missouri, and then finish up their schedule at home against Baker University on Feb. 23. The conference postseason tourney will follow on Feb. 27, 29, and Mar. 3.