Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | February 27, 2026 – The No. 5 Nelson University Lions saw their Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament run come to a hard-fought end Friday afternoon inside Abe Lemons Arena, falling 91–85 to Oklahoma City University in a semifinal clash that featured momentum swings, physical play, and a late push that nearly flipped the script.
Nelson battled back from a 16-point second-half deficit and cut the margin to a single possession in the closing minutes, but Oklahoma City's shot-making and composure down the stretch proved to be the difference.
The Stars struck early, pouring in 47 first-half points while shooting 43.6 percent from the floor. Nelson trailed 47–38 at the break after struggling to find consistent rhythm offensively in the opening 20 minutes. But as they have all season, the Lions responded.
Out of halftime, Nelson sharpened its edge.
The Lions shot a blistering 57.6 percent in the second half (19-of-33) and outscored Oklahoma City 47–44 over the final frame. Senior guard Micah Clark led the charge with 17 points, knocking down a pair of triples and attacking the rim with confidence. Clark added five assists and five rebounds, continuing to impact the game in every phase.
Trelin Green delivered a strong all-around performance with 15 points and five rebounds, while Ozavian Buford poured in 15 points of his own, stretching the floor with three made three-pointers and bringing energy on both ends.
In the paint, Jesse Iweze provided efficiency and toughness, finishing with 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting while battling on the glass. Brionne Williams sparked the Lions off the bench with 12 points and a monster poster dunk, helping ignite the second-half surge.
The game featured four lead changes and was tied once, but Oklahoma City's largest lead of 16 points midway through the second half forced Nelson to climb uphill for much of the afternoon.
Despite the setback, the Lions' body of work this season remains championship caliber. As the No. 1 seed entering the conference tournament and one of the nation's most dynamic teams, Nelson now shifts its focus forward.
Next Up:
The Lions turn their attention to preparation for the National Tournament. The Lions turn their focus to the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship Selection Show on March 5 at 7:00 p.m. CT, where Nelson will learn its postseason fate.
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.
