Point Lookout, MO - In a challenging evening at Keeter Gym on Thursday, the College of the Ozarks Bobcats faced off against the Evangel Valor in the annual 'Highway 65 Matchup.' Despite battling early, the Bobcats fell to the Valor with a final score of 85-54.

The game opened with Evangel jumping out to a lead, as Jacob Lafferty scored the first basket. Andrew Dalton responded with a three-pointer, but Evangel continued to build their lead, ending the first half ahead at 37-22. The Valors' Drew McMillin also made a significant impact with a crucial three-pointer towards the end of the half.

As the half rolled on, Evangel's control continued. Tommy Pinegar extended their lead from beyond the arc. Despite efforts from Andrew Dalton, who finished with 15 points, and contributions from Jay Baxter and Jaiden Wilson, both adding 8 points each, the Bobcats struggled to close the widening gap.

By halftime, the score stood at 48-22 in favor of Evangel, which further ballooned to a final spread of 31 points. DJ Quarles and Bryce Butler, leading with three assists each, along with Quarles and Baxter who each had two steals, highlighted the Bobcats’ attempts that unfortunately did not stem the tide.

Looking ahead, the College of the Ozarks Bobcats are slated to play Crowley's Ridge College on Saturday, in the annual Homecoming game.