November 10, 2022

Shreveport, LA: Thursday Afternoon in The Docks in Shreveport, Louisiana, the men's basketball team of Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lions traveled to face No. 12 Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) Pilots in their first away game of the 2022-23 season. After the 2021–22 season, the LSUS squad wiped its roster clean, and although the Pilots are beginning fresh, every new player plays a crucial part. Three true freshmen, four juco transfers, and four NCAA transfers make up the LSUS roster.

The SAGU Lions traveled to the LSUS home court, "The Docks' 'hoping to avenge LSUS' narrow victory in the two teams' most recent meeting at the Sheaffer Center.

After a close game with numerous lead changes, the Lions succumbed to the Pilots' 92-85.

Lion Review

• The Lions were forced to claw their way back into the contest at the start of the game because of turnover issues. The tweak SAGU required to stop the early LSUS scoring advantage would be an early timeout and on-court adjustments.

• To create the Lions' post presence, Cortland Blake and Philbert Weekes would grab rebounds out of the clouds and dump in-post hooks over their shoulders.

• LSUS ball handlers would be bothered by the intrusive and energetic defense of Alerick Hall and Noah Boling. On offense, the guard threat pair would target weak spots in the Pilots' defense and drive and kick their way into open shooting lanes.

• To receive a pass from Dallas Smith, Cortland Blake would run to the trail location. Blake caught the pitchback pass and hit a long triple from the top of the key.

• JJ Boling and Kaleb Hughley would enter the game as substitutes and have an influence. The SAGU wings successfully made three-pointers and infiltrated the lane to score points.

• The Lions only trailed by three points at the half despite early foul trouble and turnover difficulties.

• Cortland Blake had 10 points on 50% of his shots at the half to lead SAGU in scoring.

• After being forced to sit out the first half due to foul trouble, Brook Haddocks exploded in the second. The deadeye sniper fired off a number of fiercely disputed gusto shots to keep the Lions in the game. 

• A JJ Boling breakaway dunk and Brooks' pure shooting gave the Lions the advantage they needed to win the game. Prior to the Pilots retaliating with a scoring spree of their own, the Lions could only build a lead of up to 4 points.

• Tyler Kinghorn, Cortland Blake, and the Lions squad gave everything they had in the dying moments, but the Pilots were able to play down the stretch in a manner worthy of their top-25 ranking.

• Blake finished the game with 23 points and a 77 percent shooting average to lead the Lions in scoring. The junior forward for SAGU demonstrated courage in his season's opening away encounter.

 

Deal's Declaration  

"Great effort from the guys tonight. We are growing as a new team and need to improve in late-game situations, but I can't be anything but proud of these guys for the effort they just displayed against an elite team on the road," SAGU head men's basketball coach Delton Deal said.

 

Next Step

On Thursday, November 17, Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) will take on Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) for their first Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) matchup of the 2022-23 season.

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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.