Springfield, Mo. – Sophomore guard Lauryn McIver dished out a modern-era record tying 11 assists to help the Friends University Falcons extend their winning streak to six games with a 79-69 victory at KCAC newcomer Evangel University this evening (Jan. 24) in Springfield, Mo. The win moves the Falcons to 14-5 overall and keeps them in the third spot in the KCAC with an 11-2 conference mark.
The Falcons faced a 17-13 deficit after the first quarter and the same margin at 25-21 less than two minutes into the second period.
Friends then clamped down on the defensive end and limited the Valor to just six points the rest of the half and took a 36-31 lead at the break on a three by Ellie Munds that capped a 15-6 spurt.
It was the third quarter that saw the Falcons gain significant separation, as Rayland Garner opened the second half with five straight points to push the lead up to nine points.
After the Valor trimmed the lead to four, Kori Babock caught fire and scored seven points to fuel a 12-4 burst and put the Falcons on top by 12 at 54-42 at the 3:28 mark of the third quarter.
Evangel came within eight at the end of the third and then six early in the fourth period before a three by Trinity Johnson quickly stemmed the tide and ignited a 12-2 run that resulted in the Falcons' biggest lead of the night at 69-55.
The Valor continued to show fight and made it a seven-point game, but consecutive scores from Rayland Garner, Johnson and McIver pushed the lead back to 13 with a minute to go and ice the victory for the Falcons.
"Another strong performance with five players in double digit scoring and Rayland (Garner) and Lauryn (McIver) with double-doubles," said Friends women's basketball head coach Dean Jaderston. "We also started taking care of the ball a little better. That's going to be the key for us down the stretch."
Garner led the Falcons with 22 points and 10 rebounds, with McIver scoring 14 in addition to her record-tying assist total. McIver's 11 dimes are the most for the Falcons since Kayna Simoneau also had 11 assists in the 2020-21 season (12/14/20).
Taylor Jackson had 14 points, five boards and three blocks, while Babcock finished with 13 points and Johnson scored 11 to give the Falcons all five starters in double-figure scoring.
Kamie Jenkins paced the Valor with a double-double of her own with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Carson Dillard had 15 points and five assists, with Micah Clayton adding 12 points for Evangel.
The Falcons were outrebounded 38-35, but made up for it by outshooting the Valor 51.8 percent-38.2 percent overall from the field and 53.3 percent-41.7 percent from three-point distance.
A home game Saturday evening (Jan. 27) vs. Kansas Wesleyan University awaits the Falcons, with tip-off set for 5 pm inside the Garvey Center. Also, a special ceremony will be held Saturday honoring Football NAIA All-American and CSC Academic All-American Keegan Martin.
Don't miss the red-hot Falcons and a special ceremony recognizing the historic accomplishments of Keegan Martin, purchase tickets now!
