January 27, 2023
Waxahachie, TX - In a riveting Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) battle, the No. 25 Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lions ventured to the Sid Richardson Center in Fort Worth, Texas, for an intense face-off against cross-town rivals, the Texas Wesleyan University (TXWES) Rams. The historic rivalry unfolded once again, with the Lions aiming to repeat their earlier triumph at home, having secured a 77-59 victory in the first meetup.
Lion Review
From the opening tip-off, the Rams showcased a level of defense and energy that set them on an early path to a significant lead. Cortland Blake, however, emerged as a beacon of resilience for the Lions, scoring the first eight points and refusing to back down from the challenge. His early scoring display featured two three-pointers and a mesmerizing spinning reverse layup.
The first half proved uncharacteristically challenging for the Lions, both offensively and defensively. The team struggled to share the ball, finishing the half with only three assists, well below their usual pace. The Rams capitalized, shooting an impressive 51% from the field. At halftime, the Lions found themselves trailing 42-24, but Head Coach Delton Deal instilled confidence, reminding the team of their capability to turn the tide.
In the second half, the Lions faced adversity head-on, with JJ Boling leading a high-pressure defense, Justin Collins showcasing IQ playmaking, and Cortland Blake unleashing intense scoring. Despite closing the gap to as little as six points, the Rams capitalized on turnovers and secured the upset with clutch free throws.
The Lions fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to the Rams, concluding the clash with a 79-71 loss.
Key Stats
Looking Ahead
The No. 25 Lions are determined to bounce back, eyeing their next matchup at the Sheaffer Center in Waxahachie, Texas, against the University of North Texas Dallas on Tuesday, Jan 30th at 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.
