Kansas City, Missouri – March 17, 2016- The Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) men’s basketball team’s 2015-2016 season has come to an end. The Lions lost to LSU-Alexandria in the first round of the 2016 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship . The final score was 95-74. The Generals are currently ranked no. two in the NAIA.
The first half was very close. Within the first 12 minutes the game was tied five times. With 11:51 left in the first half, SAGU’s Josh Swearingin hit a basket to give SAGU their last lead of the game, 16-14.
LSUA was able to extend their first half lead partly due to their size advantage and rebounding. In the first half alone, the Generals outrebounded SAGU 25-15. They also had six points thanks to baskets from offensive rebounds.
“Our finish to the first half was a nightmare and really ruined a pretty solid first half,” explains head coach Donnie Bostwick , “Emmanuel picked up his second foul and when I pulled him out, LSUA took advantage by pulling off a seven point possession.”
With 3:03 left in the first half, Keyunta Watkins was able to cut the General’s lead to three after making two free throws. LSUA then outscored SAGU 13-6 in the final three minutes. With 0:01 left on the clock for the first half, Brian Sylvester got an offensive rebound and had the put-back to extend their lead to 45-35 at halftime.
In the second half, LSUA’s lead continued to grow. With 9:51 left in the game, SAGU senior Emmanuel Adoyi hit a three pointer to make the score 61-52. Unfortunately, LSUA made four points quickly and the Lions weren’t able to bring the score any closer.
The Generals outshot SAGU in all areas but free throws. They were 55% from the field goal line and SAGU was 36%. For three-pointers SAGU was nine-for-34 at 27% and LSUA shot 11-for-23 from beyond the arc at 48%.
SAGU senior Rishaad Alexander scored 21 points with four assist. Junior Keyunta Watkins had 19 points. Senior Emmanuel Adoyi led in rebounds with eight.
LSUA’s Brian Sylvester came off the bench to score 16 points and pull in 12 rebounds. LSUA’s bench outscored SAGU 47-10.
The Lions have ended 20-13. LSUA will continue playing in the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship . Their next game will be Friday, March 18, 2016 at 6:15pm. They will play the winner of Peru State (Nebraska) and Carroll (Montana).
“I am very proud of this year’s team and their accomplishments. They overcame so many challenges and never quit striving for the prize. To reach 20 wins and become only the fifth team in SAGU history to reach the NAIA D1 Tournament are both impressive accomplishments. God was very good to us as we saw numerous miracles along our journey this season,” recounts Bostwick.
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]
