February 27, 2023

Oklahoma City, OK: On Monday evening at the Gaulke Activity Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lions men's basketball team played a Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Tournament semifinals contest against the Langston University (LU) Lions.

Two riveting halves of basketball battling between the Langston Lions and SAGU Lions ended with an 80-76 SAGU Lions loss.

Lion Review

• The SAGU Lions fell behind in the first half due to poor turnover management and missed free-throw opportunities. The Lions relied on Tyler Kinghorn heavily in the first half as they battled to stop Langston's scoring runs. As soon as he entered the game, the current SAC Sixth Man of the Year had an effect. Thanks to his quick footwork, incredible agility, and delicate touch, Kinghorn was unstoppable when scoring on the low block.

• The other Lions' front-court members were also effective in the first half. Both Cortland Blake and Philbert Weekes scored six points before the halftime break. Trace Boling and Brooks Haddock added three-point baskets as SAGU trailed LU 41-29 at the end of the first-half play. 

• The SAGU Lions team started the second half of the game by pressing the LU Lions, encouraged by their head coach's halftime modifications. Alerick Hall picked up 94 feet to pressure LU ball handlers, and on the offensive end, Hall made pinpoint, accurate passes to ignite the Lions' offense. The most impressive of Hall's three second-half assists was the no-look dime that allowed Noah Boiling to make a three-point shot, which caused the LU team to retreat into a timeout.

• Up by seven with 5:54 remaining on the game clock, the SAGU Lions had gained their largest lead of the game. The lead changed six times in the second half. 

• In the closing moments of the contest, the Langston team was able to draw fouls to secure the game-clinching free throws. 

• Top performers for the SAGU Lions were Cortland Blake, who scored 19 points and snatched six rebounds; Noah Boling, who scored 17 points and Tyler Kinghorn, who scored 14 points and collected five rebounds.

• Philbert Weekes and Brooks Haddock both added nine points. Alerick Hall finished with a team-high six assists. 

 

Deal's Declaration  

"These guys represented us tonight and all season in a manner that was exemplary. I'm so proud of them for their effort, their joy, and their representation of Jesus in all they do. Good teams find a way to be in the game late, and despite early adversity, we did just that. I'm so lucky to be their coach," SAGU head men's basketball coach Delton Deal said.

 

Next Step

The Lions of Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) will watch the selection program in the hopes of being selected for the 2023 NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament.

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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.