Plainview, TX – 4-seed Wayland Baptist and 5-seed John Brown University both finished Sooner Athletic Conference regular season play with identical 16-8 records, but the Opening Round game in SAC Tournament play Thursday night was anything but close. The Pioneers played their most complete game of the season and claimed a 94-59 victory to advance to the semi-final round against #1 seed Nelson University.
John Brown led only twice in the game, 3-0 just 2:04 into the game and 12-11 with 14:33 remaining in the first half. From that point, the Pioneers outscored the Golden Eagles 32-21 to take a 43-33 halftime lead.
The second half was dominated by Wayland Baptist as they outscored John Brown 51-26 and led by 41 points with 1:08 left to play. The Pioneers were sizzling hot from the field making 59.6% of their shots and 52.2% from the three-point line. WBU also made 14 of 18 free throws.
Five Pioneers scored in double figures, led by
James Lee with 21 points. Lee also had a game high 8 rebounds and 8 assists.
Brett Leach made 8 of 10 shots for 20 points, along with 2 rebounds and 2 steals.
Dylan McDougal and
Alex Rojas each scored 11 points. McDougal added 3 steals, 2 rebounds and an assist.
Quenton Coleman scored 10 points, dished out 3 assists, grabbed 2 rebounds and a steal.
Niko Noumeros contributed 6 points, 3 rebounds and a steal, while
Joshua Tucker also scored 6 points along with 2 assists and a rebound.
Adeola Seun added 4 points, 3 rebounds and a blocked shot.
Kabine Kaba grabbed 6 rebounds, scored 3 points, 2 assists, 2 blocks and a steal.
Paetyn Walker made 2 of 3 free throws.
The Pioneers will face 1-seed Nelson University, Monday, March 3 at 6:00 PM, in the conference semi-finals at Langston University. The winner will play for the SAC Tournament Championship on Tuesday, March 4 at 8:00 PM
