November 16, 2024
Waxahachie, TX – The Nelson University Lady Lions returned to the Sheaffer Center on Saturday to face Mid-America Christian University (MACU) in a hard-fought Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) clash. Despite a strong opening quarter, the Lady Lions couldn't sustain their momentum, falling 68-58 to the Evangels.
The Lady Lions came out firing in the first quarter, showcasing excellent ball movement and a balanced scoring attack. Kyla McMinn dominated the paint early, finishing the game with a team-high 16 points and six rebounds. Kate Miller also contributed with two clutch three-pointers in the opening frame, helping Nelson to a 21-14 lead.
The momentum shifted in the second quarter as MACU tightened their defense, limiting Nelson to just 11 points on 35.7% shooting. MACU took advantage of turnovers and second-chance opportunities, outscoring the Lady Lions 19-11 to take a 33-32 lead into halftime.
Nelson regrouped in the third quarter, with Julianna Matlock providing a spark off the bench. Matlock's energy led to 11 points on an efficient 4-for-4 shooting performance, including three triples. The Lady Lions outscored MACU 24-16 in the third frame, reclaiming the lead and setting up a tense final quarter.
The Lady Lions hit a scoring drought in the fourth quarter, managing just two points while MACU surged ahead. Turnovers and missed opportunities plagued Nelson, while the Evangels capitalized on their composure to close the game with a 19-2 run.
Standout Performances
- Kyla McMinn: 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
- Kate Miller: 10 points, including 2-for-6 from beyond the arc.
- Julianna Matlock: 11 points off the bench, shooting a perfect 100% from the field.
- Ashley Gonzalez: Nine points, including three timely three-pointers.
What's Next for the Lady Lions?
Nelson University (1-4, 0-2 SAC) will look to bounce back on Monday, November 18, when they host the University of Science and Arts (Okla.) at 6:00 PM in the Sheaffer Center.
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
