February 22, 2024

Waxahachie, TX - In a thrilling Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) showdown, the No. 25 ranked Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lions showcased their talent against the Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) Aggies at the Sheaffer Center in Waxahachie, Texas.
 

Lion Review
Prior to tip-off, the spotlight shone on Cortland Blake as the program celebrated his remarkable achievement of surpassing the 1000-point mark. Blake's on-court performance mirrored the celebratory atmosphere, as he dazzled the crowd with an exceptional display in the first half.

From downtown, Blake's precision was unmatched, sinking 5 out of 7 three-pointers with flawless accuracy. His sharp shooting opened up opportunities in the paint, where he showcased his versatility with four spinning hooks.

Joining the scoring barrage, CJ Hall contributed 16 first-half points, propelling the Lions to a 50-39 lead at halftime, with Blake leading the charge with 23 points and five rebounds.

In the second half, the Lions continued to thrive, stifling any hopes of an OPSU comeback through seamless teamwork. Spectacular plays, including thunderous dunks from JJ Boling ignited the crowd, while Alerick Hall orchestrated the offense with precision.

Key Stats
Cortland Blake's masterclass performance was the highlight of the game, as he amassed a game-high 33 points and secured a double-double with 11 rebounds. CJ Hall provided valuable support with 24 points, while JJ Boling added 15 points to the Lions' tally. Alerick Hall led the team with six assists, while Trace Boling chipped in with five points and four assists.

Next Up
Looking ahead, the Lions are geared up to face Wayland University in another conference showdown on February 24th at 3:45 PM at the Sheaffer Center. The game will also serve as a special occasion to honor SAGU seniors Dylan Pitt, Cory Hicks, Cortland Blake, and Noah Boling, adding an emotional layer to the anticipated matchup.

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.