March 5, 2024
Langston, OK – The Nelson University Lions left everything on the floor in the SAC Tournament Championship, but their valiant effort came up just short in a 65-62 loss to Langston University on Tuesday night inside the C.F. Gayles Fieldhouse.
Nelson entered the title game looking to cap off their impressive SAC run with a championship crown. Despite trailing 37-32 at halftime, the Lions clawed their way back into the game behind tough defense, clutch shooting, and relentless rebounding.
The second half was a back-and-forth grind, with seven lead changes and both teams trading blows down the stretch. Nelson briefly took a one-point lead with 2:50 remaining after a tough Micah Clark layup, but Langston responded with key buckets and free throws in the final seconds to seal the win.
Key Performances & Moments
Justin Collins (20 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) was a spark all night, leading Nelson in scoring and throwing down his first dunk of the season in a momentum-swinging play.
CJ Hall (13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) kept Nelson in the fight with timely buckets, including a clutch three-pointer to cut the deficit late.
Jordan Jenkins (10 points, 16 rebounds, 1 block) was a force in the paint, dominating the glass and securing key rebounds to give Nelson extra opportunities.
Micah Clark (6 points, 4 rebounds) provided energy and toughness, making big plays in the closing minutes to keep the Lions within striking distance.
Nelson finished the game shooting 37.9% from the field while holding Langston to just 34.3% in the second half, showcasing the Lions' defensive intensity.
What's Next?
Despite the tough loss, the Lions' season is far from over. Nelson now shifts focus to the NAIA National Championship Tournament, where they'll have one more opportunity to chase postseason glory. #WhereLionsFindTheirRoar
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.
