Springfield, Missouri – The Bulldogs trailed back to Missouri for their first matchup of the new year to take on the Valor of Evangel University. Despite an out-of-conference loss to Columbia College before Christmas break, the Valor had won four consecutive conference matchups before the holidays. McPherson had won three of their last four conference matchups and looked to start 2026 back in the win column following a loss to Friends University and NCAA Division I opponent Kansas City.
The Basics
Location: AGFinancial Arena
Score: MC 60, EU 78
Records: MC 9-5 (5-3 KCAC), EU 10-4 (6-2 KCAC)
How it Happened
McPherson had been shooting exceptionally well in the last couple of games played before they hit the holiday break, but the Bulldogs struggled to find shots to drop on Saturday. They would go on to shoot 33% for the game and an eye-popping 7% from beyond the arc (2-28). On the other end of the court, Evangel shot tremendously well in both periods allowing for them maintain a lead over the Bulldogs for a large duration of the contest.
McPherson held an early lead through the opening five minutes of the first half as neither side was truly able to spark any offense. Once Evangel's Harrison Doenning made his fastbreak layup to take the 6-5 lead over McPherson, the Valor held onto the lead for the remainder of the game. Their largest lead of the first half was at the 3:00 mark with a 33-18 advantage following an Evangel trip to the line. The Valor took a 38-28 lead into the locker room at the half.
The Bulldogs were much more efficient from the floor in the second half with a 41% rate, but still could not get their three-point attempts to fall. What made their comeback even more difficult was the fact that Evangel's already-high shooting percentage grew to 55%. Aside from their shooting percentage, the only true difference on the box score in favor of the Valor was the rebounding; Evangel outrebounded McPherson 45-35, but the Bulldogs did have six more offensive boards than Evangel.
Despite a better second half, Evangel would take the 78-60 victory over McPherson to begin the new year.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will return to the Holman Fieldhouse this Wednesday as they'll take on the York Panthers on January 7
th at 8:00 PM.
