Waxahachie, Texas- March 2, 2016- The Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) men’s basketball team kicked off the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) tournament against Bacone College .  Despite a close first half, the Lions pulled ahead to win 73-65.

Bacone had the small lead for the first 12 minutes of the game.  At 7:58, SAGU was able to force a BC turnover and Jason Gentry was able to capitalize on the turnover and tie the game at 25.

For the next three minutes, only four points were scored and they all belonged to Bacone.  At halftime, SAGU was behind, 37-32.

In the second half, SAGU came on strong and were able to outscore the Warriors 41-28.  The game was tied three times in the last 20 minutes of the game.

With five minutes left on the clock, SAGU’s Keyunta Watkins caught fire and took control of SAGU’s fate.  With 4:18 left in the game, Watkins made a three pointer to tie the game at 63.  Less than 20 seconds later, Watkins did the same thing again to put the Lions ahead 66-63. And just to make sure, Watkins hit one more three for good measure with 1:37 left to play.  In the final minute of the game he also sank four free-throws in a row.

Watkins ended the game with 34 points.  Jason Gentry added 16 points and six rebounds.  In the past three games, Watkins is averaging 30.7 points per game.

SAGU will next play #2 ranked MACU.  Five days ago, SAGU upset MACU in a 86-76 game played at home.

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, Sports Information, [email protected]