This was a close one that didn't get away.

Mid-Atlantic led by 20 points at the half, then by as many as 22 early in the second, before holding off Christendom College 78-71 at Chesson Gym Friday night. 

The Crusaders' only lead of the game came less than 30 seconds after the tip on a layup. Then the Mustangs reeled off six straight points to take a lead they would not relinquish. Crisp passing and strong work underneath, led by Marquice Sims' 20 first half points and 11 by Joseph Hill, gave MACU a 44-24 lead heading into the locker room. The Mustangs extended that lead early in the second half to 46-24 before Christendom began a methodical rally to climb back into the game. 

The Crusaders trimmed their deficit to five points with about a minute to go before Wayne Thurber went 5-of-5 at the free throw line to seal the win for MACU.

The victory gave Mid-Atlantic a season sweep of Christendom, having defeated the Crusaders in Front Royal, VA 74-60 on January 23. Coupled with that, the young MACU team bookended the regular season with wins.

Sims led all scorers with 28 points. Hill finished with 20 and Micah Ryals added 13.  Jeremy Minick led CC with 21.

MACU will conclude the 2014-15 campaign in the Bible College National Invitational Tournament in Mundelein, IL beginning on Thursday, February 19.