January 9, 2025
Siloam Springs, AR – In a thrilling Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) matchup on a snowy Thursday evening, the Nelson University Lions edged out the John Brown University Eagles, 75-70, in the Bill George Arena. The game was filled with electrifying moments, capped off by a game-sealing block from Micah Clark in the final seconds and a CJ Hall masterclass.
The Lions came out strong in the opening half, with CJ Hall leading the charge. Hall dazzled the crowd with 18 first-half points, showcasing his scoring versatility and propelling Nelson to a slim 39-38 halftime lead. The team's balanced approach was evident, as the Lions dominated points in the paint (40-20) and converted turnovers into 21 crucial points.
As the second half unfolded, the Lions maintained their composure despite relentless pressure from JBU. Hall continued his dominance, finishing the night with a game-high 27 points, along with six rebounds and four assists. Micah Clark added 11 points and four assists, delivering the defensive play of the night with his crucial block in the waning moments.
JJ Boling was a force on the boards, pulling down seven rebounds while chipping in 10 points. Trace Boling, Justin Collins and Dallas Smith provided valuable contributions off the bench, helping the Lions outscore JBU's reserves 29-16.
The turning point came late in the game when Clark's defensive heroics shifted the momentum. With Nelson clinging to a narrow lead, Clark swatted away a JBU attempt that could have tied the game, securing the Lions' victory.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Nelson improves to 11-5 on the season and 9-3 in SAC play. The Lions will hit the road again on Saturday, January 11, for a 4 PM showdown against the College of the Ozarks, looking to build on their momentum and climb further up the conference standings.
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.
