December 14, 2024

Dallas, TX – The Nelson University Lions emerged victorious in a nail-biting Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) battle against the UNT Dallas Trailblazers, pulling off a 78-74 win at the Ellis Davis Field House on Saturday afternoon. Behind a dominant performance by CJ Hall and stellar team execution, the Lions showcased depth to secure the road victory.

From the opening tip, the Lions were locked in. CJ Hall led the charge, pouring in 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including three three-pointers. Nelson's offense clicked in the first half as they raced out to a 43-29 halftime lead. A key highlight of the half was the Lions' disciplined play—zero turnovers in the first 20 minutes—a testament to their sharp focus and execution.

Jordan Jenkins was a force inside, contributing 12 points and a team-high six rebounds. Meanwhile, Preston Lawrence added timely three-pointers, keeping the Trailblazers' defense on their heels.

The second half saw UNT Dallas claw their way back into the game. Led by Greg Crawford (17 points, 12 rebounds) and Vernon Johnson (13 points, 5 assists), the Trailblazers ramped up their intensity, outscoring Nelson 45-35 in the final two quarters. UNT Dallas cut the deficit to just one possession multiple times, but the Lions' composure under pressure proved decisive.

The Lions' depth played a crucial role in the victory, with the bench contributing 27 points. Trace Boling delivered impactful minutes, scoring 8 points and pulling down 5 rebounds, while Justin Collins added 5 points and 7 assists, orchestrating the offense with poise and Dallas Smith added 5 points and one steal.

On the defensive end, Nelson forced 12 turnovers and collected 10 steals, with Latrel Davis providing energy and hustle off the bench. The Lions also made their presence felt on fast breaks, scoring 16 points in transition.

Key Stats: 

• CJ Hall: 23 points, 5 assists  
• Jordan Jenkins: 12 points, 6 rebounds  
• Bench Points: Nelson 27, UNT Dallas 17  
• Points in the Paint: Nelson 32, UNT Dallas 42  

What's Next?  
The Lions will face a major challenge as they head to San Antonio to take on Grace University in a Top 25 showdown this Tuesday. 

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.