NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 83, Milligan 62
Records: Life U, 1-0; Milligan 0-1
MARIETTA, Ga. – The Life University men's basketball team opened the 2025-26 season with a big home win over the Buffaloes of Milligan. Newcomer Shane Stevensen made quite the debut in the Eagles' Nest, leading the team with 20 points on 9-12 shooting from the floor.
The contest opened close, with both teams trading buckets. Life U went on the first run of the game near the first media time out, pushing the lead out to 11 with a pair of layups from Brashon Hall, a layup from Srdjan Popovic and a three pointer from Matija Gledic.
The lead stayed near double-digits for the Running Eagles for nearly the rest of the half, but a late run from the visitors spoiled the lead. A 22-11 run from the Buffaloes to close out the final eight minutes of the half left Life U trailing by two at the break.
Shane Stevensen went 5-5 from the floor, including two three-pointers in the first half. Maurice Wright was active on defense, recording three steals.
Out of half, Baqi Lecky, Wright and Popovic all recorded quick buckets as Life U immediately reclaimed a five-point lead. From there, the Running Eagles defense kicked it into high gear, allowing just 11 points over the next ten minutes. On the offensive end of the floor, Calvin Payton came to life, knocking down three three-pointers in the second half, leading the team with 11 points.
As the Life U defense continued to stifle the Buffaloes, the offense remained highly efficient, shooting 51.4% from the floor in the second half.
Though the contest was close early, Life U pulled away down the stretch for the big, 83-62, victory.
Up next, the Running Eagles remain at home for the Ken Woods Memorial classic, taking on Keiser on Friday, Oct. 31.
TURNING POINT:
--Life U retook the lead just one minute out of half time and never trailed again in the contest.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Life allowed just 20 points in the second half.
--The Running Eagles shot an efficient 45.8% from the floor.
--The defense forced 20 turnovers out of the visitors.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Shane Stevensen led the team with 20 points.
--Calvin Payton, Maurice Wright and Srdjan Popovic all scored in double figures.
--Brashon Hall and Maurice Wright both had four steals.
--Sergio Corta had ten boards and eight points.
