November 17, 2022

Waxahachie, TX: On Thursday evening at the Sheaffer Center in Waxahachie, Texas, the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lady Lions women's basketball team played their debut Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) contest of the 2022–23 season against the Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) Aggies. The Lady Lions intended to focus on India Gultry, the 0-3 Aggies' highest scorer, who averages 16 points per game, and prevent the Aggie squad from gaining momentum.
 

The Lady Lions defeated OPSU 75-39 under the direction of returner Rylee Lavender.

 

Lion Review

• The Lady Lions team's front court would establish the atmosphere early in the contest.

• The game's opening two points were scored by Taylor Moravcik; the following OPSU Aggies shot attempt was blocked by Jazra Williams into the stands. 

• A fast break by OPSU was intercepted and halted by Riley Lavender, who then gave Moravcik a no-look pass for a second quick score.

• Taylor would continue to control play in the first quarter, scoring on a swooping up-and-under to convert a one-one.

•  Chanie Chambers and Kyla McMinn would come off the bench to immediately energize SAGU, adding strong defense and rapid scoring. 

• Timely and accurate passes sparked the Lady Lion's offense in the second period. The Lady Lions were able to distribute the ball to create simple shooting opportunities near the rim.

• With two minutes left before halftime, Autumn Moore's strong downhill play allowed her to earn two free throws, which she made to increase the Lady Lions' advantage to 32-15. 

• When Rylee Lavender slid over to take a charge while in a helping position, the home crowd erupted. The Lady Lions' coaching staff and bench applauded the outstanding effort. 

• Macy Smith would make a deep three off an offensive rebound at the buzzer to give the Lady Lions a 37-18 commanding lead into the break.

• Lavender would take her second charge of the night to start the second half. Left-handed Neely Tilley-Bedick would shoot a long-range three. In the third period, the Lady Lions controlled every statistical aspect of the contest.

• Rylee extended the Lady Lions' scoring advantage by spinning and making a pull-up jumper. She then continued to dominate on defense by taking her third charge of the game. 

• The decisive strike would come from a Jenna Savage three-pointer.

• Autumn Moore contributed 12 points and three steals, Rylee had 13 points and three charges to lead the Lady Lions, while Taylor Moravcik and Jazra Williams each had 10 points.

Son's Spiel

"So proud of the girls! We have such a hard-working group. It's always great to get a conference win; our conference is so good," SAGU head women's basketball coach Micheal Sons said.

 

Next Step

On Saturday, November 19, Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) will take on Wayland Baptist University (WBU) for their second 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