Point Lookout, Missouri | January 22, 2026 — The Nelson University Lady Lions turned a tightly contested conference battle into a statement finish Thursday night, erupting for 36 fourth-quarter points to pull away from College of the Ozarks and secure a 91–82 Sooner Athletic Conference victory on the road.
The night had the feel of a chess match early, with both teams trading runs and punches through the first three quarters. Nelson edged ahead 13–22–20 over the opening periods, but the Lady Lions' best basketball was saved for last. With pace quickening and shots falling from every level, Nelson poured it on in the final frame, shooting 66.7% from the field and over 70% from three in the quarter to seize control.
A balanced offensive attack powered the surge. Ashley Gonzalez delivered a lights-out performance, drilling six three-pointers on her way to a game-high 22 points, stretching the Ozarks defense beyond its comfort zone. Kaitlyn McKenna was relentless attacking the rim and living at the free-throw line, finishing with 20 points and six assists, including a perfect 10-for-10 night at the stripe.
Inside, the Miller duo set the tone. Paris Miller posted 18 points and nine rebounds, battling on the glass and scoring through contact, while Kate Miller added 16 points, two blocks, and steady defensive pressure. Abby Boyce filled the stat sheet with eight points, seven rebounds, and four assists, providing crucial glue minutes during key stretches.
Nelson's efficiency told the story. The Lady Lions shot 49.2% from the floor, 42.3% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 90.9% at the free-throw line, turning execution into separation when it mattered most. College of the Ozarks kept pace behind a 20-point effort from Keara Mattingley, but Nelson's late-game precision proved decisive.
With the win, Nelson improves to 14–3 overall and 10–3 in SAC play, continuing to build momentum as the conference race tightens.
Next Up
The Lady Lions return home on January 29 to host Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Waxahachie, Texas, looking to carry their fourth-quarter fire back to the Sheaffer Center.
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.
