SAGU going to NCCAA Nationals

Lions (25-10) earn at-large bid

Event held, March 14-17 in Northern Indiana

LAKEWOOD, Colorado -- The National Christian College Athletic Association, with over 100 member schools, extended an at-large bid to head coach Donnie Bostwick on Friday night following the Central Regional in suburban Denver.

It contained an invitation for the Bostwick’s men’s basketball team at Southwestern Assemblies of God University to join the eight-team field at next week’s Nationals tournament in Northern Indiana.

The event will be played during March 14-17 at the new 2,000 seat, Orthopaedic Capital Center on the campus of Grace College in Winona Lake, which is between Fort Wayne and South Bend.

“We received an at-large bid to the National Tourney after the game,” said Coach Bostwick after coming up short, 87-80, to Dallas Baptist University.

“I would love to play them again in Indiana. They have a great team and are well coached. They are the defending National Champions for a reason.”

“We have a chance to win three games and win it all,” he continued. “Only eight teams have that chance. Right now I know of several teams that are in, and they’re all very good.”

He was referring to DBU, Cedarville University (Ohio) and The Master’s College (Cal).

Cedarville (20-9) is returning to the NCCAA nationals after a 10-year absence. The Yellow Jackets defeated Spring Arbor University (Mich) (18-4), 90-75, to win the Midwest Regional.

The Jax have been in the NAIA Division II tourney in recent seasons.

The Master’s Mustangs (19-14) edged Hope International University (Cal), 60-56, in Santa Clarita to secure their spot in the national’s field. They overcame a 38-26 halftime deficit against the Royals.

Hope had upset the top-seed in the West, California Baptist University (16-9), 64-63, the night before. They came back from 15-points down to stun the Lancers. Hope made 28-of-31 free throws to build a 64-63 lead before a CBU sank a three-pointer at the buzzer.

The remainder of the qualifying teams and the schedule will be announced on Sunday. Each team will play three-games with the finals slated for Saturday.

Fans can access the video livestream of all games at www.grace.edu/athletics.

Teams will be involved in community service projects on Tuesday.

Southwestern will depart from campus aboard the SAGU bus at 6:00pm.

“On behalf of the players and my staff, we would like to thank all of you for your kind emails and support the last week,” the coach added.

“Keep us in your prayers as we travel to Indiana and compete to bring a National Championship back to Waxahachie.”

Contact: Mark “Link” Warde, SAGU Sports Information Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 469-658-2847.