SHAWNEE, Okla.—In one meant for a rivalry game, Southern Nazarene came out on top against Oklahoma Baptist at the Noble Complex in Shawnee Oklahoma, 78-76, in double overtime on Thursday evening.
The Crimson Storm (6-9, 5-4 GAC) jumped out to an early 18 point lead in the first quarter. The offense was kickstarted by five first quarter 3-pointers and jumped out to a 16-0 lead early on.
The Crimson Storm were in control throughout the first half, but a strong third quarter brought the Bison (7-8, 3-6 GAC) back within striking distance. SNU would struggle behind the arc after the first, as they could not find the a rhythm, shooting 0 of 12 from deep over the final three quarters.
In a tight fourth quarter, it looked as though SNU had sealed the game when sophomore guard
Alexus Jones knocked down a driving layup with four seconds to go to put the Storm up two. The Bison would quickly respond as Victoria Blankenship scored a layup of her own as the horn expired to send the game to overtime.
As the overtime period began, both teams went back and forth, remaining deadlocked at the conclusion of the first overtime. SNU had a chance to win it as
Irene Perez had an open look under the basket, but time expired as the shot went off. The Storm built a five point in the second overtime thanks to a huge 3-point play from
Madeline Schroepfer, which would be just enough to fend off a stingy Bison team.
It was a big night
Irene Perez, as the junior forward racked up 16 points on a busy night with 46 minutes of action. Perez was not done filling up the stat sheet there as she would add eight rebounds, four assists, a block, and a steal.
Abby Niehues had a big night as well, putting up 14 points on 5 of 7 shooting. She also continued her dominance on the defensive side, picking up three blocks.
Jaycee Soap would add 12 points and eight rebounds,
Alexus Jones would add 11 and seven boards, and
Adrienne Berry would add 10.
The Crimson Storm will be back in action on Saturday as they head to Ada to take on the Tigers from East Central. Tipoff is set for 1pm. Southern Nazarene won the prior contest against East Central 65-58 at the Sawyer Center.
