BETHANY - It was opening night in Sawyer Center and the Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm played accordingly. They wanted to start the season with a statement and they did just that rolling through Minot State 77-46. 

The theme of the night was defense as SNU (1-0, 0-0 GAC) forced 31 turnovers and ripped 19 steals away from MSU (0-1, 0-0 NSIC). The 19 takeaways from the Storm were the second most ever in a game. The first quarter turned into a 3-point frenzy as the Storm knocked down five from behind line to get off to a hot start. This trend would continue as Southern Nazarene finished the night with 13 triples, coming in just under 50 percent. 

SNU recorded eight blocks and converted 12-15 free-throw attempts in the contest. Sophomore Sonia Sarda was sensational in the home opener inside the Sawyer Center as she recorded 19 points, hit three from the arc, and registered four steals. Sophomore Jaycee Soap got her a piece of the cake as she poured in 18 points and shot 6-11 from downtown. She also dished out two assists and collected two steals. 

Junior Alexus Jones was active on the defensive end as she sniffed out two steals of her own. She also chipped in 12 points and five rebounds. Junior Kennedy Gillette made it her mission to crash the boards as she grabbed a team-high six rebounds. She also was able to dish out four assists and clocked in seven points. Freshman Cassandra Awatt was a helpful asset off the bench as she chimed in with nine points, two rebounds, and was a perfect 3-3 from the free-throw line. 

The Storm held a 37-20 lead at halftime after the Beavers mounted a comeback scoring 15 in the second quarter. Then again, after the break, Minot State thought there might be light at the end of the tunnel as they tried to close the margin scoring 18 points to the 24 of Southern Nazarene in the third quarter. SNU quickly closed that door and scored 16 in the last quarter to close off the night. The Storm's largest lead of the night was 33. 

Southern Nazarene hits the road next week as they travel to Edmond to take on the University of Central Oklahoma (1-0, 0-0 MIAA). Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.