BETHANY- Southwestern Christian University (11-7, 3-3 SAC) and St. Gregory's University (6-7, 2-4 SAC) battled early in the game and exchanged baskets back and forth. In the last few minutes of the half the Eagles extended their lead to 40-27 going into the break. Rodney Smith (SR/Chicago, Ill.)'s 10 points in the first half led the Cavs offensively, and the Eagles were led by Jamal Ray's 15 points and 8 rebounds.
The second half was controled by the Eagles, much like the end of the first half, and Southwestern Christian pulled away to win by a final score of, 78 to 56. SCU's dominance on the boards and ability to score in the paint was the differnce in the game. They ended up out-rebounding SGU, 35 to 22, and they out-scored the Cavs in the paint, 44 to 16.
Southwestern Christian University was led by the trio of Jamal Ray (19 points), Joshua Simmons (18 points), and Marvin White (16 points). Jamal Ray finished the game with a double-double, by adding 10 rebounds to his 19 points. Simmons collected 8 rebounds, and Casey Cole had 7 rebounds in the game to go with his 9 points.
Jordan Rutherford (SR/Houston, Texas)'s strong second half helped him to finish the game with 17 points, to lead the Cavaliers' offense. Rodney Smith scored 16 points and Malik Barnett (JR/Midwest City, Okla.) also scored in double digits, with 10 points (8-8 on FT).
The Cavaliers will travel to Oklahoma City University on Thursday Jan. 19. to take on the No. 5 Stars.