Cameron breaks JBU scoring record in win over Mid-America Christian

SILOAM SPRINGS — Baily Cameron didn’t have school records in mind when she began her John Brown career four years ago.

The Siloam Springs native left her mark in the JBU history books Saturday by becoming the women’s basketball program’s all-time leading scorer during a 86-71 victory over Mid-America Christian at Bill George Arena.

Cameron, who needed 14 points to tie Kendra McCormick Knoner for 1,793, finished with 16 points, setting the record with a 3-pointer on the wing with 1:42 left in the third quarter to give JBU a 67-44 lead. Cameron — who was the Sooner Athletic Conference’s freshman of the year in 2015-16 and an All-SAC first team selection the last two seasons — now has 1,795 points with several games remaining on her senior season.

“It’s kind of crazy,” Cameron said. “I never thought I would ever break a record. I just thought I would come in and contribute and be a normal player. I’ve had some pretty great teammates along the way to help me get here. It’s been fun. It hasn’t sunk in yet.”

John Brown will officially honor Cameron’s achievement with Knoner in attendance Jan. 26 during halftime of the men’s game against Southwestern Assemblies of God (Texas).

“I’m very fortunate. Not many coaches can say they’ve coached two players that have broke the school scoring record,” said JBU coach Jeff Soderquist, who also coached Knoner. “Baily’s had a great career, very proud of her and the four years she’s had.”

Meanwhile, JBU (11-5, 7-2 SAC) picked up an important victory on Saturday — its fourth straight.

JBU scored 30 points in the first quarter and hit 11 of 19 from behind the three-point line in the first half and led 52-32 at halftime. The Golden Eagles led by as many as 28 points in the fourth quarter before a late MACU run made the final score a bit more respectable.

Karina Chandra led JBU with 17 points to go with Cameron’s 16 points. Taylor Fergen also had 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Jordan Martin had 11.

Shaylan Coleman led MACU (10-4, 4-4) with 20 points, while Alexis Shannon had 14.

Mid-America Christian ........20 12 14 25 — 71 John Brown ......................30 22 18 16 — 86 Mid-America Christian (10-4, 4-4): Coleman 20, Shannon 14, Coffman 9, Ozoani 7, Price 6, Wilson 4, Gregory 3, Denton 3, Fairley 3, Wycoff 2.

John Brown (12-4, 7-2): Chandra 17, Cameron 16, Fergen 16, Martin 11, Teague 7, Lawson 7, Matamala 5, Nelson 4, Williams 3.

MEN MID-AMERICA CHRISTIAN 71, JBU 66

John Brown rallied from a 15- point second- half deficit to take a lead, but the No. 21 Golden Eagles couldn’t finish their comeback, losing their second straight conference game.

JBU led 63-62 with 1:24 left, but Anthony Black’s three-point play gave the Evangels (10-6, 3-5) the lead for good.

Black hit a 3-pointer at the top of the key on MACU’s next possession with 29 seconds left to make it a two-possession game, and the Evangels hit 3 of 4 free throws to ice the win.

Black scored 15 of his 19 points in the second half to lead MACU, while Zach Sawyer had 12 and Justin Bogle 11.

Jake Caudle led JBU (12-5, 6-3) with 19 points, while Brenton Toussaint had 13 and Josh Bowling 10.

Mid-America Christian .................. 36 35 — 71 John Brown ............................... 25 41 — 66 Mid- America Christian ( 10- 6, 3- 5): Black 19, Sawyer 12, Bogle 11, William 9, Ford 9, Thompson 5, Perry 4, Beauregard 2.

John Brown (12-5, 6-3): Caudle 19, Toussaint 13, Bowling 10, Kennedy 8, Grabliauskas 6, Carnes 6, Bailey 4.