November 5, 2024

Shreveport, LA – The No. 23 Nelson University Lions faced their first road challenge of the 2024-25 season at "The Dock" in Shreveport, Louisiana, battling the formidable No. 13 Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) Pilots in a much-anticipated Top 25 NAIA matchup. Despite a valiant effort, the Lions were edged out in the final moments by a narrow 83-80 scoreline.

The Lions opened the game with energy, highlighted by a scorching start from Latrel Davis, who powered the offense with his confident scoring and relentless work on the boards. The Lions hustled, especially with Preston Lawrence diving on loose balls and sinking crucial three-pointers to keep the game within reach. However, turnovers plagued Nelson University's rhythm, allowing LSUS to capitalize and maintain a slight edge by halftime with a score of 38-37.

The second half showcased why this clash between two NAIA powerhouses lived up to its billing. The Lions clawed their way back into contention, propelled by standout efforts from Jordan Jenkins, whose spark off the bench gave Nelson the momentum needed to fight for every possession. The rebounding battle was fiercely contested, with Nelson University securing key boards to create second-chance opportunities.

As the game clock wound down, both teams traded critical baskets in a sequence filled with tension and fast-paced action. CJ Hall emerged as the scoring leader for the Lions, showcasing his versatility and skill set by tallying 26 points and adding 5 assists. Latrel Davis contributed a strong double-double performance, putting up 19 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. JJ Boling's sharp shooting, particularly from beyond the arc (5-8 on three-pointers), added 17 vital points to the effort. Despite their collective resilience and a late surge, the Lions fell just short as LSUS held their nerve to seal the victory.

The closing sequence of the game was nothing short of dramatic. Nelson University, trailing by just three points, fought tooth and nail to either tie or steal the game. However, a flurry of late turnovers and missed opportunities allowed LSUS to maintain their slim lead until the final buzzer.
 

What's Next?
The Lions (1-1) will look to bounce back as they return home to face Texas A&M San Antonio on November 8th in Waxahachie, TX. Tip-off is set for 6:30 PM, and the team will be determined to showcase their growth and capitalize on their home-court advantage at 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