Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | February 26, 2026 – Survive and advance. Inside Abe Lemons Arena, the No. 3 seeded Nelson University Lady Lions authored a postseason masterpiece Thursday night, grinding out a 77–74 overtime victory over No. 6 seed John Brown University in the quarterfinals of the Sooner Athletic Conference Championship Tournament.

It was everything a playoff game should be; physical, tense, slow-cooked and simmering possession by possession. For three quarters, neither side could create separation. Shots were hard-earned. Paint touches were punished. Every rebound felt like a loose ball in March.

Nelson struggled to find rhythm early, shooting just 19% in the first quarter and missing all eight attempts from deep. But this group doesn't blink.

The Lady Lions steadied themselves at the free throw line in the second quarter, going a perfect 6-for-6, and began chipping away. Out of halftime, the energy shifted. Nelson erupted for 20 points in the third quarter behind improved efficiency (46.7% from the floor), setting the stage for a heavyweight fourth.

With the season hanging in the balance, senior forward Paris Miller delivered the moment.

Trailing late in regulation, Miller rose from the top of the key and buried a clutch three that forced overtime, a cold-blooded shot in a red-hot moment. She finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and seven steals in a warrior's 38-minute effort, stuffing the stat sheet in every possible column.

That shot didn't just tie the game. It ignited belief.

In the extra frame, Nelson outscored John Brown 13–10, executing down the stretch with poise.

Kate Miller provided interior toughness all night, finishing with 14 points and seven rebounds, including the Lady Lions' final field goal with 1:25 left in overtime 

Kaitlyn McKenna added 13 points and five steals, disrupting passing lanes and setting the tone defensively. Sophomore guard Abby Boyce chipped in 10 points in 32 gritty minutes.

Nelson dominated the glass with 45 rebounds and forced 17 steals as a team.

With 18 seconds left in overtime, Paris Miller calmly stepped to the line and split a pair of free throws, giving Nelson the final 77–74 margin. The Golden Eagles' last gasp fell short.

Head Coach Michael Sons pushed all the right buttons in crunch time. Defensive matchups shifted. Rotations tightened. Late-game sets were executed with precision. When the moment required clarity, the Lady Lions had it.

Playoff basketball is about adjustments and Nelson made the winning ones.

Next Up
The Lady Lions advance to the SAC Semifinals and will face No. 2 seed Mid-America Christian University on Friday at 7:30 PM inside Abe Lemons Arena. One more step closer.

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.