SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Interstat) — The Evangel Valor outlasted the Bethel Threshers 74-69 in a men’s NAIA basketball game Saturday.

In a contest featuring prolific offense, Evangel overcame a narrow halftime deficit to secure the home victory. The Valor trailed 69-68 late before closing the game on a 6-0 run from the free-throw line in the final 18 seconds. Key performances fueled the win for Evangel, which improved to 6-3. Bethel, which got 31 points in the first half, fell to 7-2 with the road loss. The teams combined for 143 points in a fast-paced game that was projected to favor the Threshers. They will meet again in the regular season on Jan. 31 in North Newton, Kan.