December 14, 2024
Dallas, TX – The Nelson University Lady Lions showcased depth as they secured a hard-fought 73-65 victory against the UNT Dallas Trailblazers in an intense Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) showdown at the Ellis Davis Field House on Saturday afternoon.
The Lady Lions came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, with Kyla McMinn and Autumn Moore setting the tone early. Their back-to-back three-point bombs electrified Nelson's bench and stunned the Trailblazers' defense. Nelson's sharpshooting from deep established an offensive rhythm that UNT Dallas struggled to disrupt throughout the game.
However, UNT Dallas proved a tough opponent, dominating the first quarter with a scorching 71.4% field goal shooting percentage. Skye Dugan led the Trailblazers' offensive charge, scoring 23 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Despite trailing 27-18 at the end of the first quarter, Nelson refused to fold.
Nelson's defensive adjustments to hard deny proved pivotal in the second quarter. The Lady Lions ramped up their intensity, forcing UNT Dallas into turnovers and holding them to just 12 points in the frame. Kate Miller spearheaded the defensive effort with her commanding presence in the paint, collecting 12 rebounds and swatting away potential scoring opportunities. The Lady Lions closed the gap to 39-38 by halftime, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
The Lady Lions' depth was on full display, as they outscored UNT Dallas 34-4 in bench points—a testament to their versatility and unselfish play. Paris Miller stepped up in a big way, pouring in 21 points while battling for rebounds and winning key possessions in crunch time.
The Lady Lions dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Trailblazers 45-41, which proved critical in limiting second-chance opportunities for UNT Dallas. Meanwhile, Nelson's ball movement was on point, tallying 19 assists compared to the Trailblazers' 15. Lauryn Scalice came off the bench and added nine crucial points, hitting clutch shots when the Lady Lions needed it most.
In the fourth quarter, Nelson turned to their experience and composure. Despite a spirited comeback attempt by UNT Dallas, who cut the lead to four points, the Lady Lions held their ground. Wendy Clemmons and McMinn sealed the deal with timely defensive stops, as Nelson walked away with a confidence-boosting road victory.
- Kate Miller: 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists
- Paris Miller: 21 points and 7 rebounds
- Kyla McMinn: 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists
- Bench Points: Nelson 34, UNT Dallas 4
Looking Ahead
The Lady Lions head into the winter break with momentum and a 4-8 overall record (3-6 in SAC play). Next, Nelson University will take on Division I opponent Abilene Christian University in an exhibition game on December 30 at 1:00 PM in Abilene, Texas.
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.
