BETHANY, Okla. — Southern Nazarene opened the 2017-18 season with a 73-62 exhibition win against Southwestern Christian in the 39^th Expressway battle.
 
The Crimson Storm got off to a quick 11-3 run to open the game, as they led the Eagles 16-9 at the end of the first quarter. Adrienne Berry had a strong first quarter, as she led the way with 10 points.
 
SCU came back in the second quarter and outscored SNU 16-10, as the Storm took a 26-25 lead into the break. Southern Nazarene was able to force nine turnovers in the first half, but gave the ball away eight times themselves. The Storm shot 35% from the field in the first half on 10-of-28 shooting, while the Eagles shot 34% on 9-of-26 shooting.
 
The Storm got in foul trouble in the third quarter, as the Eagles were in the bonus just four minutes in. Berry tallied 13 points in the period, but SCU outscored SNU 22-21 for the quarter. The game was tied 47-47 heading into the fourth quarter.
 
Southern Nazarene went on a 9-0 run to start the fourth quarter, as they led 56-47 with 7:05 to play. That paved the way for 26 fourth-quarter points for the Storm as they cruised to the win.
 
Berry poured in 33 points for the Storm, as she was the only player to score in double-figures for SNU. Berry went 5-for-12 shooting from three-point range. Alexus Jones scored nine points and dished out three assists. Madeline Schroepfer was the bright spot off the Storm bench, as she scored nine points. Sidney Carolina scored eight points and added eight rebounds as well.
 
SNU shot 35.9% for the game, as they held SCU to 36.4%. The Storm forced 19 Eagle turnovers, and tallied 10 steals.