November 9, 2023
Waxahachie, TX - In a spectacle that left the Sheaffer Center reverberating with cheers, the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lions delivered an electrifying performance, securing a commanding 104-53 win over the Dallas Christian College (DCC) Crusaders on Thursday evening. The victory came as a triumphant return for the Lions after a challenging road matchup against Division 1 Southern Methodist University, and it showcased not only their determination but also a dazzling display of skill, teamwork, and remarkable bench depth.
Lions Review
From the opening minutes, it was clear that CJ Kelley had set his sights on domination. The dynamic player wasted no time, scoring the first three baskets of the game with a combination of artful spins and deceptive fakes that left the Dallas Christian interior struggling to contain him. Kelley's slithery drives to the basket became a focal point of the Lions' offensive onslaught.
The introduction of
Justin Collins off the Lions' bench proved to be a game-changer. Collins, with pro-level passing ability, wowed the home crowd with flashy assists, none more breathtaking than a between-the-legs dime to
Noah Jonker for a trail three-pointer, a play that set the arena ablaze with excitement.
Defensively, the Lions were relentless, forcing 10 turnovers in the first half alone. The suffocating defense limited Dallas Christian to a mere 23% shooting from the field, setting the tone for a dominant performance. At halftime, SAGU boasted a commanding 55-21 lead.
CJ Hall, CJ Kelley, and Noah Jonker each reached double figures by halftime, contributing 10, 12, and 11 points respectively.
In the second half, graduate student Noah Boling showcased his basketball IQ, making wise plays to extend the Lions' scoring advantage. The defensive intensity remained unwavering, complemented by impressive playmaking.
The Lions' bench proved to be a vital asset, contributing a substantial 46 points. Dion Grisnold, Dylan Pitt, Cory Hicks, and Jacory Dawkins injected energy into the game, keeping the momentum firmly in SAGU's favor.
Key Stats
CJ Hall: 18 points, 2 steals
CJ Kelley: 14 points, 7 rebounds
Justin Collins: 11 assists
Kylon Owens: 14 monster rebounds
Noah Jonker: 13 points (new season-high)
Next Up
With this resounding victory, the Lions set their sights on the next challenge. Up next, they will face Louisiana State University Alexandria at the Sheaffer Center on November 13th at 7:00 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.
