January 6, 2023

Waxahachie, TX - In a high-stakes showdown at the Sheaffer Center in Waxahachie, Texas, the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lions clashed with the John Brown University (JBU) Golden Eagles in a game that would determine sole ownership of the No. 2 seed in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC).

Lions Review
Right from the opening tip-off, both teams showcased why they rank among the elite in the SAC. All-American Cortland Blake and CJ Hall displayed red-hot performances in the first half, responding to the Golden Eagles' barrage of three-pointers with crafty baskets and contested jumpers.

The methodical and pointed defense of John Brown tested the Lions, requiring a collective SAGU effort to slow them down. CJ Kelley emerged as a defensive stalwart, snatching six rebounds in the first half. The Lions' fans were treated to a display of passion as their team dove for loose balls and moved the ball fluently.

At the halftime intermission, the Lions held a slim 41-38 lead, with Cortland Blake contributing 16 points and CJ Hall adding 17 to the scoreboard.

In the second half, CJ Hall elevated his scoring prowess, igniting the Lions with impressive buckets and jump shots. The offensive surge was complemented by a post-scoring attack from CJ Kelley, who secured a double-double with 16 second-half points and a total of 10 rebounds.

Despite the Lions' offensive success, the John Brown bench stepped up to contribute significantly, fueling a Golden Eagle run that ultimately captured the lead. The discrepancy in three-pointers proved decisive, with John Brown hitting 16 compared to SAGU's 8, resulting in an 86-77 loss for the Lions.

Key Stats

• CJ Hall finished the game with a remarkable 32 points and four rebounds.
• CJ Kelley scored 22 points and secured a double-double with 10 rebounds.
• Cortland Blake contributed 16 points.
• Alerick Hall notched eight assists, while Justin Collins added four assists.

Next Up
Looking ahead, the Lions will hit the road for their first contest of the new year on January 11th (Thursday) at 7:45 PM. They will face Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas, in another critical conference duel, aiming to bounce back from the tough loss and regain momentum in the SAC standings.

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.