Powell's Career-High 32 Points Guides The Saints To A 103-93 Victory Over No. 17 Ave Maria

Photos courtesy of Southeastern Sports Information.

LAKELAND, FLA. (Nov. 8, 2024) – The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men's basketball team topped the NAIA's No. 17-ranked Ave Maria University (AMU) Gyrenes in the first matchup between the two NAIA teams. The 103-93 victory keeps the Saints undefeated with a 3-0 record, while AMU moves to 2-1. The game was part of the Southeastern University Classic in Lakeland, Fla.

Head Coach Marcus Thompson commented, "I'm proud of the way these men stepped up and handled adversity in a close game. We continue to show fight and grit, which is what I love about this group.  Different guys step up in big moments, and it really makes this team fun to coach and be around. Our assist numbers were great, with low turnovers. It was a great start to the season, but more work needs to be done. We need to be ready for the quick turnaround against a good team in Southeastern."

Basics

Trey Law started the game with a 3-pointer, and Breion Powell scored the next two baskets. Another three from Law, and he and Powell accounted for the first 12 points of the game as the Saints took the 12-8 lead. With the Saints leading 16-8, the Gyrenes went on an 11-point run to lead 19-16. Arthur Celestin got the Saints back on track to lead 22-21. After falling behind again at 24-22, Celestin tied the score and powered through a 32-26 lead with less than seven minutes remaining in the first half. AMU threatened late in the period when they came to within two points at 43-41—at almost half-court, Kenyon Elliott sunk a 3-pointer, and the Saints closed out the first half with the 50-46 lead.

After just one minute, AMU tied the score at 50, but two made baskets from Celestin gave the Saints back the lead. The game was within reach by the Gyrenes through the 16th minute. The Saints fought through with a three from Rob Gil to put the Saints ahead at 63-54. The Saints took their biggest lead of the game in the ninth minute – 79-69 – after a dunk from Xavier Purnell.

The Saints reached the century mark with less than 12 seconds remaining – the first time since February of 2024. A pair of free shots from Breion Powell and a dunk from Lonzo Rand completed the 103-93 victory for the Saints.

Offensive/defensive standouts

Breion Powell led the Saints with 32 points, making 14-of-21 from the field and 4-of-5 free throws. He added six rebounds and three steals. This was the most points Powell has scored with OLLU.

Trey Law shot 8-of-9 from the field, including 2-of-3 3-pointers and 2-of-2 free throws for 20 points. Arthur Celestin tallied 14 points. AMU was led by Jack Watkins, who totaled 39 points and eight rebounds. Jaylen White scored 16 points coming off the bench.

Rob Gil added a team-high seven rebounds and four assists for the Saints.

Inside the box

OLLU combined for 44-of-81 from the field for a percentage of 54.3. AMU shot 29-of-75 for a percentage of 38.7. OLLU added 43 rebounds to AMU's 44, while the Gyrenes committed 12 turnovers, and OLLU had nine.

Up next

The Saints will conclude the Southeastern Classic on Saturday with a game against Southeastern University at 6 p.m. This game promises to be another exciting matchup, as both teams will be looking to end the tournament on a high note.