Box Score It took an extra five minutes, but the Pioneers finally defeated the Evangels from Mid-America Christian, 62-59, Thursday evening at Hutcherson Center.
The WBU men (13-9, 5-9) trailed for the majority of the contest, finally taking the lead with 1:41 left in regulation on two free throws by Johnny Terra which made it 51-49. Two MACU free throws knotted it back up before Tyrone Crawford hit a jumper just outside the lane to give Wayland back the lead with 37 seconds left. MACU's Josh Ball forced the overtime period when he hit a wide-open shot under the basket with six seconds remaining.
The WBU men trailed in OT until Jon Hurt hit two free throws with 26 seconds on the clock to give the Pioneers a 60-59 advantage. Teddy Chambers knocked down a dunk on a break-away with just seconds remaining for the final three point margin.
Bobby Watkins came off the bench to lead Wayland with 14 points, while Johnny Terra added 13. Hurt registered a double-double, his second of the season, with 11 points and a game-high 11 boards. Charlie Shorter led the Evangels (2-19, 1-13) with 19 points. Tyron Goldsmith was the only other player in double figures with 14.
The game was as even statistically as it was on the scoreboard. The Pioneers had a slight advantage shooting the ball, making 46 percent of their shots compared to 42 percent by the visitors. The two teams scored 22 points each in the paint. WBU turned the ball over 22 times and had 13 steals, while the visitors were credited with 21 turnovers and 12 steals. Wayland was much better on the boards, however, out-rebounding the Evangels 36-26.
The Pioneers have a chance to win the 999th game in school history on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. against Oklahoma City University, which lost 74-59 to Lubbock Christian.
