WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- Despite a 24-point performance from junior Elijah Lawrence, the John Brown University men's basketball team was unable to hold off a late Lions surge, falling 86-79 on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 22) to Nelson (Texas) inside Sheaffer Center.
With the victory, Nelson clinched the 2024-25 Sooner Athletic Conference regular-season title, securing the league's top seed heading into postseason play.
The Golden Eagles (18-9, 16-7 Sooner Athletic) led by as many as five points, 76-71, with 2:38 left in the game, but senior Drew Miller's triple was the last field goal the visitors would score until sophomore Trae Oetting's triple with 18 seconds left as the Lions (20-7, 18-5) finished the game on a 15-3 run over the final minutes to secure the win.
The hosts shot 47 percent from the field (31-of-66) and converted 85 percent from the free-throw line (17-of-20). John Brown, meanwhile, finished shooting 41 percent overall (30-of-74) and 35 percent from behind the arc (13-of-37), while committing only nine turnovers.
"What an effort today," head coach Jason Beschta admitted. "That was an exciting game worthy of a battle for first place. There were a lot of things we did well, and in the end, having the lead in the last couple of minutes is a good place to be. You have to hand it to Nelson, as they made the big plays they needed down the stretch to put this away.
"We are going to have to refocus quickly as we head into a big matchup on Monday at UNTD. This group is special, and we are excited to continue fighting together for something bigger than ourselves."
Lawrence led JBU with 24 points, hitting six triples, adding two rebounds and two assists. Miller contributed 19 points and seven rebounds, connecting on four three-pointers. Oetting added eight points, five assists, and two steals, while freshman Jack Ullom corralled a game-high 10 rebounds in the loss as JBU controlled the glass, 40-32.
Nelson (20-7, 18-5 SAC) had a balanced offensive effort, led by Justin Collins' 20 points and six assists. CJ Hall finished with 19 points, six assists and eight rebounds, while Jordan Jenkins provided 18 points and six rebounds off the bench. Alerick Hall knocked down three triples and added 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists in the win.
Although John Brown out-rebounded Nelson, and controlled second-chance points 14-12, Nelson's ability to attack the paint (42 points inside) and convert at the free-throw line (17-of-20, 85 percent) proved to be the difference. The loss snapped JBU's five-game winning streak.
With one regular-season game remaining, the Golden Eagles will look to bounce back on Monday afternoon (Feb. 24) when John Brown takes on North Texas at Dallas inside the Ellis Davis Jr. Field House at 7:45 p.m. The finale will be streamed live on the SAC Sports Network.
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