Southern (7-0) scored the game's opening basket, but the Crusaders went on a 13-0 run to open up a 13-2 lead at the 15 minute mark of the first half. The Lions trailed by six (35-29) at the half and tied the game five times in the second half before a layup from Bowlin gave Southern a 58-57 lead with seven minutes left.

Evangel (4-3) re-gained the lead, but the Lions tied it once more at 69 and again at 71, the last happening with 32 seconds to go. The Crusaders had a last-second shot attempt from Shane Nicholson, but it didn't fall and the game went to overtime.

The Lions picked it up in overtime and scored the first 11 points of overtime to go ahead 82-71 and outscored Evangel 20-12 in the extra frame.

Adams had his second-straight career high in points as the freshman from Carthage scored 27 points on 10-13 shooting, logging 30 minutes off the bench tonight. Bowlin added a double-double with 22 points and 11 assists, both career highs for the sophomore. Tony Webb scored 12 off the bench and Mariun Price had 11 points and three assists.

EU's Jackson Capel led six different Crusaders in double-figures with 15 points.

The Lions shot 49 percent from the field and 77 percent from the free-throw line. They forced 24 Evangel turnovers and out scored the Crusaders 44-36 in the paint. The big difference in the game was the bench, as the Lions out scored Evangel 48-27 in bench points.

Southern will be back in action on Wednesday (Dec. 3) night as the Lions travel to Kirksville, Mo. and open up MIAA play with a 7:30 pm tip at Truman State.