February 15, 2024

Waxahachie, TX - In a clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, the No. 25 Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lions squared off against the Mid-America Christian University (MACU) Evangels in a thrilling Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) showdown at the Sheaffer Center in Waxahachie, Texas.

Lions Review
SAGU showcased their offensive firepower led by the dynamic duo of junior guard CJ Hall and senior forward Cortland Blake. Hall, a Bevo Francis Small College Basketball Top 100 Watch List recipient, continues to dominate the SAC, averaging 23.0 points per game with remarkable shooting efficiency. Meanwhile, Blake, back in action after the break, has been a force to reckon with, averaging 22.1 points per game while displaying versatility on both ends of the court.

On the other side, MACU aimed to rebound after consecutive road losses, with their defense seeking to tighten up following a tough outing against SAGU's potent offense.

From the opening tip-off, both teams battled fiercely, showcasing their skills and determination. CJ Hall's finesse and Alerick Hall's defensive prowess were standout moments in the first half. However, SAGU struggled from beyond the arc, shooting an uncharacteristically low percentage, allowing MACU to maintain momentum.

In the second half, Cortland Blake's presence inside the paint provided a much-needed boost for the Lions, while CJ Hall continued his scoring spree. JJ Boling's electrifying dunk off a slick pass from Alerick Hall ignited the crowd, but despite their defensive efforts, SAGU fell short, succumbing to MACU..

Key Stats

• CJ Hall led the Lions' offensive charge with an impressive 29 points and four assists.
• Cortland Blake contributed 16 points and six rebounds, showcasing his dominance in the paint.
• Alerick Hall displayed versatility with five points and three assists.
• Noah Boling added seven points to the scoreboard.
• JJ Boling led the team with four assists and an impressive nine rebounds.

Looking Ahead
The Lions look to bounce back as they hit the road to face Southwestern Christian University in another challenging SAC battle on February 17th at 3:45 PM in Bethany, Oklahoma. Stay tuned as the Lions regroup and aim to reclaim their winning form in the conference.

As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community. We believe in affordable tuition, made possible in part through the financial support of donors who embrace the mission of SAGU and the importance of affordable, accredited programs to train Christians for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service. Most majors are available in-person in Waxahachie, TX, and online through a wide range of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.