Spartans Fall 92–77 to Nelson University, Snapping 12-Game Win Streak
Waxahachie, Texas · February 23, 2026 · Written by Emmanuel Ramirez
The Spartans traveled to Waxahachie to take on the Nelson University Lions in a rematch of an exhibition game earlier this season. The Lions handed the Spartans an early-season loss back in December, and although retribution was the goal, shooting struggles and a hot hand from Nelson ultimately snapped the Spartans’ 12-game win streak.
At times this season, the Spartans have struggled to cash in from deep. Against the Lions, that trend resurfaced. The Spartans shot just 2-for-28 from beyond the arc, resulting in empty possessions and an expanding deficit. Meanwhile, Nelson shot 11-for-26 from downtown, with their sharpshooters seemingly unable to miss.
“We start with defense and intensity. We didn't play that way.”
— Coach Donald Jefferson
Rebounding Battle Swings the Game
Rebounding has been a point of emphasis all season for Coach Jefferson’s squad. Nearly every game, the Spartans have controlled the glass. However, against Nelson, they found themselves on the wrong side of second-chance opportunities.
The Lions out-rebounded the Spartans 27–23 on the defensive end, crashing the boards hard and earning extra possessions that proved costly.
“They probably out-rebounded us. They just wanted it more this game.”
— Coach Donald Jefferson
Coach Jefferson did not shy away from responsibility following the loss.
“It’s all on me, I’m gonna take that.”
— Coach Donald Jefferson
Alexander Takes Accountability
Team leader and point guard Jamari Alexander echoed his coach’s sentiment, taking personal responsibility for helping guide the team through adversity.
“I have to take charge, find the open man, find the right reads, and get my teammates open as well as myself.”
— Jamari Alexander
The Spartans entered halftime trailing by 20 points but showed resilience in the second half. They returned to their defensive identity, forcing steals and converting transition buckets. At one point, they cut the lead to eight and found themselves within striking distance before time ultimately ran out.
Tensions Rise in the Second Half
As the Spartans attempted to claw back into the game, emotions ran high. Coach Jefferson, standing up for his players, received two technical fouls and was ejected — one of the first such instances this season.
“I just wanted to stick up for my guys and say something to the refs, which got me thrown out. So I got to do better myself as a coach.”
— Coach Donald Jefferson
Jackson Moss, who fouled out during the contest, appreciated his coach’s passion.
“A lot of people will let the game just go left, and they wouldn't say nothing, but my coach, he fought for us.”
— Jackson Moss
Learning Moment
Despite the loss, the Spartans continued to battle, even without their head coach on the sideline. The effort in the second half revealed the character of the team.
“I think we needed to get smacked in our mouth just so we could wake up a little bit.”
— Coach Donald Jefferson
Up Next
The Spartans now turn their focus to a road matchup against a Division I JUCO opponent in Louisiana. With the win streak behind them, the message in practice this week is clear: reset, refocus, and return to Spartan basketball.
“We got to attack teams the way they attack us at the beginning of the game.”
— Jamari Alexander
“This week is business, straight business.”
— Jackson Moss