January 2, 2025
Bethany, OK – The Nelson University Lions opened the New Year with a gritty road performance, securing a hard-fought 68-60 win over the Southwestern Christian University Eagles in a Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) clash. The victory was fueled by dominant play on both ends of the court, led by standout performances from Micah Clark, Justin Collins, and Trace Boling.
The Lions set the tone early with elite rim runs and dynamic fast breaks, racing to a commanding 36-24 lead by halftime. Making his season debut, Micah Clark wasted no time making his presence felt, dominating inside with ferocious energy. Clark tallied 15 points in the opening half, shooting an efficient 7-of-10 from the field, and energizing the Lions with monster dunks and tenacious post defense.
Trace Boling and Alerick Hall also contributed significantly to the Lions' first-half surge. Boling showcased his scoring versatility, while Hall orchestrated the offense with precision playmaking.
Southwestern Christian mounted a strong second-half comeback, cutting into the Lions' lead with timely scoring runs. The Eagles' Michal Wooldridge led their charge with 16 points, but the Lions' defense held firm in crucial moments.
In the game's closing minutes, Justin Collins delivered a dagger three-pointer to put the game out of reach, sealing the Lions' ninth win of the season. His clutch shooting epitomized the Lions' composure under pressure.
Key Performances
- Micah Clark: A game-high 17 points, 5 rebounds, and stellar defensive plays in his season debut.
- Trace Boling: 8 points, 2 three-pointers, and instrumental offensive contributions.
- Justin Collins: 7 points, including the late-game three-pointer that iced the win.
- Alerick Hall: 7 points and steady ball distribution.
As a team, the Lions dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Eagles 42-37, and showcased depth with 40 points off the bench compared to the Eagles' 4.
Looking Ahead
The Lions (9-5, 7-3 SAC) continue their SAC campaign on Monday, January 6, at 8:00 PM, traveling to Chickasha, OK, to face the University of Science and Arts (Okla.). Riding high on their first win of 2025, the Lions are poised to build momentum in the heart of conference play.
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-NELSON.
