From staff reports
sports@joplinglobe.com
Drew Hanson popped in 19 points to spark Ozark Christian College past Ecclesia College 74-71 Tuesday night in the Ambassadors’ gymnasium.
Paden Bennett and Austin Morris contributed 12 points apiece for the Ambassadors, who outscored Ecclesia 38-35 in the second half to snap a 36-36 halftime deadlock.
OCC (13-11) shot 51 percent from the floor (28-of-55) and had only 11 turnovers. Ecclesia shot 47 percent (26-of-55) and owned a 37-26 rebounding advantage but committed 16 turnovers.
Robert Valentine’s 19 points led three players in double figures for Ecclesia. Tyler Shaver, a graduate of McDonald County High School, scored eight points.
The Ambassadors have another game at 7:30 Thursday night against Central Bible College of Springfield.
OCC women fall
Ecclesia built a 44-31 halftime advantage and held off Ozark Christian’s second-half comeback for a 69-65 triumph in the preliminary women’s game.
Brittany Owen tallied a game-high 19 points to lead Ozark Christian (8-13). Melea Cook and Kori Gregory both scored 14 points and Chelsea Sneed had 10 for the Ambassadors. Cook also grabbed 12 rebounds.
Nicole Meredith scored 18 points for Ecclesia.
The Ambassadors entertain Central Bible at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
