Point Lookout, Missouri | January 22, 2026 — After a double-overtime heartbreaker in the previous meeting, the Nelson University Lions made sure there would be no extra drama this time. Behind blistering shooting and a poised, attacking mindset, the Lions stormed into Keeter Gym and pulled away for a 95–80 Sooner Athletic Conference victory over College of the Ozarks on Thursday night.

Nelson wasted no time setting the tone. The Lions shot lights-out in the opening half, pouring in 51 first-half points while shooting better than 58% from the floor, building a double-digit cushion that never truly wavered. Every Ozarks run was met with a timely bucket, a defensive stop, or both, as Nelson dictated pace from the opening tip.

Micah Clark was electric, slicing through the defense for 24 points on an ultra-efficient 9-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. Clark's scoring burst kept the Lions in control and ignited a balanced offensive night that saw Nelson finish at 58.5% shooting overall.

Support came from all angles. JJ Boling knocked down four three-pointers and finished with 16 points, while Jesse Iweze provided muscle inside with 12 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. At the point, Trelin Green orchestrated the offense with 10 points and six assists, consistently finding teammates in rhythm. The Lions also got efficient contributions from Brionne Williams (10 points) and Noah Jonker (9 points) off the bench.

College of the Ozarks was led by Jay Baxter's 26 points, but Nelson's defensive pressure and shot-making proved too much to overcome. The Lions connected on 14 three-pointers and controlled the game with composure, flipping the result from the earlier double-overtime loss into a convincing road statement.

Next Up
The Lions return home to Waxahachie on January 29, where they will host Oklahoma Panhandle State University, looking to keep the momentum rolling in front of the home crowd.

Nelson University (formerly SA GU) 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.