`Dogs fall to Evangels

By STEVE SELL, Sentinel Sports Editor

BETHANY, Okla. -- Kenny Romero must have wondered what he did to the men in the striped shirts Friday night.

Romero, McPherson College's standout center who has gotten off to a blazing start, hardly played enough to work up a sweat in the Bulldogs' game against Mid America Christian University, the defending NCCAA national champions.

Romero played only three minutes in the first half and barely 10 in the second half because of fouls, and without their leading scorer on the court for very long, the Bulldogs dropped an 85-78 verdict.

Mac fell to 3-2 and plays Southwestern Christian University in today's 8:00 game.

Romero picked up two fouls before the game was four minutes old and then was hit with back-to-back fouls early in the second half, as he played only five of the first 30 minutes. He did manage to play the final 10 minutes and wound up scoring 15 points, but the Evangels were too good to play without him.

Mac led 36-34 at the half and still were up 44-43 when Romero picked up his fourth foul. That seemed to invigorate Mid-America, which immediately went on a 16-4 run.

The Bulldogs battled back and managed to get as close as 79-76, but some turnovers down the stretch enabled Mid-America to seal the deal.

Roy McDonald scored 14 of his team-high 16 points in the second half. Romero added 15, while Brian Hooks and Jordan Carter, who came off the bench, scored 10 apiece.

Mac (78) -- McDonald 16, Romero 15, Hooks 10, Carter 10, Soto 8, Cox 6, Rierson 5, Gustafson 4, Turner 4.

Mid-America (85) -- Engel 20, Jackson 13, Lindsey 13, Davis 12, Chase 11, Lind 8, Kern 6, Porter 2.