Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) men’s basketball University of Science & Arts-Oklahoma Oklahoma City
SAGU is now in a four-way tie for first place in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) with a 3-1 record. The Lions are 13-3 overall. USAO is 6-9 overall and 1-3 in the SAC.
“It was an amazing game as players on both teams stepped up to make big plays time and time again,” explains head coach Donnie Bostwick .
Mid-way through the first half the game was tied at 15-15. The Lions were able to pick up the pace and gain a ten point lead by halftime. Right at the buzzer, freshman Lance Tipton hit a three pointer to make the score 39-29.
“We played a really good first half on both ends, holding them to 35% from the floor, out-rebounding them and sharing the basketball,” says Bostwick, “We fought foul trouble the entire second half but our leaders stepped up and took us to the house with Keyunta Watkins and Josh Williams hitting big shot after big shot.”
With 13:09 left in the house, SAGU gained a 15 point lead after Josh Swearingin made a free throw. Over the next four minutes, USAO was able to cut SAGU’s lead to single-digits and eventually take the lead.
USAO’s Brendan Chapman made a three pointer with 1:50 left to give the Drovers the one point lead, 83-83. SAGU’s Keyunta Watkins answered with a three pointer of his own on the next trip down the court. SAGU was able to regain the lead and keep it for the rest of the game.
With only 15 seconds left, USAO’s Greg Smith made two free throws, cutting the Lions lead to one. With only four seconds left, SAGU’s Lance Tipton made it to the free throw line. Under pressure, he made both free throws, giving SAGU the three point edge, 89-86.
The Lions are now on a six-game win streak, winning three games in only five days. Bostwick is proud of the way his young Lions are playing, “It was a team effort which is what it takes on the road. Very proud of our guys focus and tapping in to God for strength to finish up three games in a five day stretch.”
Keyunta Watkins scored 24 points for the Lions. Josh Swearingin came off the bench to score an impressive 19 points. Josh Williams and Adrian Palacios both added 15 points.
SAGU will play two more Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) games this week. On Thursday, January 12, 2017, SAGU will host John Brown University (9-6). Game time is at 6pm. At 5pm on Saturday, January 14, 2017, SAGU will host Bacone College (3-8). Both games will be broadcast live by SAGU Sports Network.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
Contact: Natalie Tristan, SAGU SID, [email protected]
