Bowlin's previous career high was 17 points which he ironically set last season against this very same team in the Tucker Classic.

The Lions (3-0) started strong, opening up an 11-2 run after a three from Bowlin just two minutes in. The Evangels (0-6) however, came right back and tied the game with a 9-0 run capped off by a jumper from Tyron Goldsmith. The Southern lead was nine (24-15) after a layup from Keane Thomann at the eight minute mark, but again, MACU used a run, this time a 13-2 push to take the lead, 28-26 with 3:20 left in the half.

A three from Bowlin with 19 seconds left gave the Lions a slim three point advantage (31-28), but two free throws from Goldsmith with two seconds left made the score 31-30 at the break. After committing just five turnovers the entire night against Central Bible, Southern turned the ball over 15 times in the first half, allowing the Evangels to score 11 points off of miscues.

MACU scored the first points of the second half, going ahead 32-31, but that was the last time the Evangels would be in the lead as the Lions went on an 8-0 run to open up a seven point lead (39-32) with 15 minutes left and would lead by 13 after a dunk by Jason Adams made the score 58-45 with 8:27 left.

The lead was as high as 16 (64-48) after a layup from Matt Monroe.

Bowlin led all scorers with 19 points on 6-11 shooting. He hit a career-high four three's and dished out five assists, adding three steals. Monroe had 12 points and eight rebounds on 6-9 shooting. Vincent Ateba had 11 points and seven rebounds.

The Evangels had four players in double-figures led by Goldsmith with 15 points.

Southern will conclude the Classic tomorrow evening when the Lions play host to Lincoln University at 7 pm.