POINT LOOKOUT, MO – The Menlo College men’s basketball team saw their record breaking season come to an end tonight in the first round of the NAIA National Tournament. The Oaks dropped a 74-48 decision to No. 6 Evangel University at Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of the College of the Ozarks (MO).

Junior Chris Funke broke a 16-0 Crusader’s run with a lay-up on a pass by senior Cody Christensen. Evangel took a 42-14 lead into the locker-room.

Junior Brandon Cochran led the Oaks with 12 points and four rebounds. Freshman Julian Harris added eight points and four steals. In his final collegiate game, forward Bryon Wesley scored eight points, going 4-for-4 at the free throw line.

Senior forward Tim Dial led a balanced Evangel scoring effort with 18 points. Junior Jackson Capel chipped in 14 points for the Crusaders, who shot 51% for the game. Evangel controlled the glass, 43-28, led by Dial and freshman Chad Gillaspy with six boards each.

Making their third appearance in the national tournament, Menlo ends their extraordinary season with an 18-10 record. Menlo ended the regular season with an 18-9 record, setting a record for the most wins in a season since 1990. This year’s squad also racked up the most conference wins (13) since joining the Cal Pac in 1998. The Oaks posted a nine-game winning streak, the longest in the past 15 years.