November 18, 2024

Waxahachie, TX – The Nelson University Lady Lions squared off against the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) in a fiercely contested Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) matchup at the Sheaffer Center on Monday evening. In a game that came down to the wire, the Lady Lions fell just short, 61-60, in a dramatic finish that showcased their resilience.

Lady Lions Review
The game began with the Drovers taking an early lead, ending the first quarter up 16-13. The Lady Lions found their footing in the second quarter, outscoring USAO 17-8 behind the sharpshooting of Neeley Tilley-Bedick, who nailed three three-pointers in the half. The Lady Lions headed into halftime with momentum and a 30-24 lead.

Coming out of the break, Nelson continued their offensive push, exploding for 22 points in the third quarter. Wendy Clemmons and Autumn Moore combined for key buckets, with Clemmons connecting on three triples to finish with 11 points. The Lady Lions looked poised to pull away, holding a 52-39 lead entering the final frame.

However, the Drovers stormed back in the fourth quarter with a relentless 22-point effort. Nelson struggled offensively, scoring only eight points in the final frame and shooting just 27% from the field. USAO capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities to chip away at the deficit. With mere seconds remaining, the Drovers secured the game-winning bucket, narrowly escaping with the one-point victory.
 

Player Highlights

• Neeley Tilley-Bedick led the Lady Lions with 15 points, shooting an efficient 3-for-7 from beyond the arc while adding four rebounds and three assists.
• Autumn Moore provided a spark with 12 points and three rebounds, attacking the rim and converting critical free throws.
• Wendy Clemmons continued her consistent scoring with 11 points, connecting on three long-range shots.
• Kate Miller contributed across the board with five points, four rebounds, and steady defense.
   

The Lady Lions shot 44.2% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range, but their struggles from the free-throw line (5-for-10) and 20 total turnovers proved costly in such a tightly contested game.
 

Key Team Stats

• Points in the Paint: 26
• Bench Points: 11
• Fast Break Points: 10
• Largest Lead: 16 points (early in the fourth quarter)
   

The Lady Lions showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the third quarter, where they shot 60% from the field and hit four three-pointers. However, they were unable to sustain that momentum in the closing minutes.

Next Up
The Lady Lions will regroup and prepare for another SAC battle as they hit the road to face Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday, November 21, at 6 PM.

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.