Waxahachie, Texas – January 7, 2017- It was Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) men’s basketball team’s biggest upset of the season. The Lions topped Oklahoma City University 76-73. OCU is currently ranked no. five in the NAIA and coming into Saturday’s match-up, they were in first place in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) with a perfect 3-0 record.
“I’m simply proud of how we continue to grow and seek God. We were able to battle through adversity and trust each other,” says head coach Donnie Bostwick .
It was a game of runs and SAGU was the one to make the first. With 15 minutes left in the first half, SAGU was able to force a turnover and follow-up with a three pointer by Josh Williams. SAGU went ahead 17-7.
With 13:36 left in the first half, SAGU jumped to their biggest lead of the half after Josh Williams made two free throws. The score was 23-9 in favor of the Lions.
Oklahoma City caught fire and within the next seven minutes they were able to go on a 20-6 run. With 6:02 left in the half OCU took the lead 29-28. Their lead didn’t last long, and by halftime SAGU was once again ahead, 42-34.
Kentton Williams had a great game, despite getting injured early on. In the first half, Williams had nine rebounds. Bostwick is thankful his veterans really rallied in his place, “Our experienced guys really finished the job as Keyunta Watkins , Josh Williams and Isaak Rowe were big late. Adrian Palacios hit a big three. Dareny Sims and Josh Swearingin brought great energy.”
With 9:56 left in the game, SAGU took an 18 point lead, which was the greatest of the night.
In the final two minutes of the game, OCU was able to cut SAGU’s lead to single-digits and give the Lions a fight to the end.
With 0:24 seconds left, the Stars pulled within three points after Syrus McDonald made a three pointer. The score was 73-70.
SAGU’s Dareny Sims was able to make one free throw, followed up by a timely steal and basket made by Josh Williams . SAGU was in the lead 76-70 with three seconds left. OCU was able to make a three pointer at the buzzer, but it wasn’t enough to take the victory.
“My MVP was Josh Williams ,” says Bostwick, “He dominated every area of the game especially on defense and rebounding. He then comes up with two huge steals to seal the win.”
SAGU’s Keyunta Watkins scored 20 points and had three assists. Isaak Rowe added 16 points and nine rebounds. Josh Williams scored 10 points, had eight rebounds and six steals.
OCU’s Lou Dunbar led all-scorers with 32 points.
On Monday, January 9, 2017, SAGU will travel to play the University of Science & Arts-Oklahoma. USAO is currently 6-8. Game time is at 8pm.
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]
