Evangel University Trumps Lindenwood with Free Throws

SPRINGFIELD - Evangel University sank seven free throws in the final 46 seconds on Tuesday night to knock off Lindenwood University 69-62 in the championship game of the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament in Springfield.   

Lindenwood, 28-5 and ranked 12th in nation, will still advance to the NAIA National Tournament beginning March 16 in downtown Kansas City.   

The Lions will learn their seeding and first-round opponent late tonight.   

Alex Bazzell led Lindenwood on Tuesday with 20 points. The Lions rallied from a nine-point deficit in the second half to tie the game 62-62.   

Evangel, 25-8 and ranked 20th nation-wide, has won its last 10 games. The Crusaders captured their fifth league title and third since 2006.