SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Interstat) — Evangel defeated visiting Columbia (Mo.) 68-62 in a men’s NAIA basketball game Tuesday at Ashcroft Center. The Valor moved to 1-0, while the Cougars fell to 0-1. Evangel shot 22 of 52 from the floor, 4 of 21 from three-point range and 20 of 29 from the free throw line. Columbia shot 21 of 56 overall, 8 of 27 from beyond the arc and 12 of 20 at the line. Evangel held a 43-26 rebounding advantage and grabbed 12 offensive rebounds. The Valor recorded 10 assists and six blocks, while Columbia had 14 assists and three blocks. Evangel committed 22 turnovers and 18 fouls, while Columbia committed 19 turnovers and 24 fouls and grabbed five offensive rebounds. Evangel scored 68 points from 76 possessions, and Columbia scored 62 from 80 possessions. Key performers included Evangel’s Clayton Garrison and Harrison Doennig and Columbia’s Drew Camacho, AJ Tillman and Kole Deck.