March 15, 2024
Waxahachie, TX - The Sheaffer Center in Waxahachie, Texas, set the stage for an electrifying clash as the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lions squared off against the Baker University (BU) Wildcats in the First Round of the NAIA National Championship Tournament. With both teams fueled by high-speed offense and versatile forwards, the showdown promised fireworks as the No. 7 seed Lions battled the No. 10 seed Wildcats for a chance to advance to the Second Round
Lions Review
From the opening tip-off, the Lions brought an intensity that rattled throughout the arena, captivating fans with their dynamic energy. The first half saw the lead change hands twice, with SAGU propelled by standout performances from team captain Noah Boling, who showcased his all-around prowess with rebounds, steals, and clutch three-pointers. At halftime, the Lions held a slim 34-31 advantage over Baker, with CJ Hall and Cortland Blake leading the scoring charge with 12 and 10 points respectively.
After the halftime break, Head Coach Delton Deal urged his team to ramp up their aggression, setting the stage for a thrilling second half. Trace Boling emerged as a sharpshooting spark plug, draining timely three-pointers to ignite the Lions' offense, while Justin Collins provided a boost off the bench with his dynamic playmaking and tenacious defense. Cortland Blake continued to shine, delivering a masterclass in scoring both inside the paint and beyond the arc.
However, despite the Lions' efforts, it was Baker's prowess in the paint and ability to force turnovers that ultimately tipped the scales in their favor. In the game's closing moments, a last-ditch three-point attempt fell short for SAGU, sealing their fate in a heartbreaking 74-71 defeat.
Key Stats
- Cortland Blake led all scorers with a stellar 28-point performance, including five three-pointers.
- CJ Hall contributed 12 points and five assists, while Noah Boling added 10 points and six assists.
- JJ Boling made his presence felt with seven points and seven rebounds, while Justin Collins and Trace Boling chipped in with six points each.
- Despite SAGU's 20 assists compared to Baker's 15, the Lions were plagued by turnovers, finishing with four more than their opponents.
- Baker's dominance in the paint, scoring 36 points compared to SAGU's 24, proved to be a decisive factor in the outcome.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on their postseason journey, the Lions will now shift their focus to the offseason, where they will embark on rigorous training and recruitment efforts in preparation for the 2024-25 season.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. SAGU is currently in the process of becoming Nelson University. 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.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
