Chickasha, OK – The #9 nationally ranked SAGU Men's Basketball team came back to defeat the #12 nationally ranked Science and Arts 91-88 on Saturday afternoon in the Drover Fieldhouse. The Lions now move to 5-1 on the year and 2-0 in Sooner Athletic Conference play.
The Lions only gained a lead over the Drovers one time in this top 15 matchup thriller, and that one-time lead change proved to be enough as it came with just seven second left in the second half on a
Nykolas Mason "and one" layup to take the 90-88 lead over the Drovers. Mason would go on to sink the free throw pushing SAGU's lead to 91-88. After the Drover's missed three pointer before the buzzer, Mason once again stepped up for his team by securing the rebound and securing the win, moving the Lions to 2-0 in conference.
SAGU came out of the gate slow as they trailed by 18 points in the first half of the game. They would go into halftime down 44-37, but the Lions did not let their slow start derail them, instead, they fought and clawed their way back into the game.
Noah Boling gave the Lions a big second half performance scoring 10 points, including two huge threes to keep SAGU in the game.
Joshua Kashila took control of the game as he has done time and time before putting up 14 points in the second half including 2 assists, 2 rebounds, and he went 3-5 from three. Kashila would finish the game with 17 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds; he also went 4-4 from the free throw line and shot 50% from the field and from three. Boling would finish with 10 points, 3 assists, 2 steals, and he went 4-6 from the field.
Nykolas Mason put on another special performance as he anchored his team throughout the entire game. Mason finished with 32 points, 4 assists, 7 rebounds, and he went 11-15 from the field. Mason currently lead's SAGU averaging 22.8 point per game. As a team, the Lions shot 49.2% from the field. SAGU's defense was on display against the #12 ranked Drovers as well, holding them to just 20% from three and forcing 10 turnovers.
The SAGU Men's Basketball team will now head to Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday, November 23, to face the University of North Texas Dallas in their third conference game on the year. Tipoff is set for 7:45 PM.
As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community. We believe in affordable tuition, made possible in part through the financial support of donors who embrace the mission of SAGU and the importance of affordable, accredited programs to train Christians for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service. Most majors are available in-person in Waxahachie, TX, and online through a wide range of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
