BETHANY- Southern Nazarene came into Thursday night needing a confidence boost, after dropping four out of their last five games. That's exactly what they did as they marched their way to a 69-57 win over Southern Arkansas. 
 
After spending the last two weeks on the road, the Crimson Storm (16-9, 13-8 GAC) were back in the Sawyer Center for a match-up with the Muleriders (16-11, 10-11 GAC). SNU prevailed victorious as a result of tremendous defensive play. The Crimson Storm held SAU to just 33.3 percent shooting from the field, 21.1 percent from the three-point line, and forced a staggering 25 turnovers. To add to their already impressive defensive numbers, SNU also had 16 steals and five blocks in the game. 
 
Southern Nazarene dispersed the ball evenly as multiple players played roles in tonight's win. Of those players, Kennedy Gillette was the most notable. Gillette put on a all-around clinic as she totaled 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and six steals (career-high). Jaycee Soap also had a great game as she put together 14 points, five steals (career-high), and three rebounds. Myriam Garcia protected the rim with ease as she put together three blocks and 11 rebounds in the game. Garcia also gave the Crimson Storm nine points. 
 
Abby Niehues was another who did her work on the boards as she brought down 10 rebounds while collecting seven points and a steal. Emily Monaghan and Massey Beard were productive assets off the bench as they registered four and six points, respectively. Beard also fought her way to four rebounds. 
 
In the first quarter, the Storm forced the Muleriders to start 1-7 from the floor, blocking three of their shots in this process. Despite a great defensive effort, SNU still found themselves down 16-12 at the end of the first. SAU would hold this lead until Jaycee Soap got the Storm back in front with a buzzer-beating layup to end the first half of play. The Storm would lead 29-28 going into the half. 
 
Southern Nazarene continued their trend of great defense as they didn't allow Southern Arkansas to score a point for six minutes straight. During this stretch, SNU also went on an 11-0 run. The Crimson Storm only let the Muleriders score 11 points in the third quarter on 3-of-11 shooting, as worked they built themselves a comfortable 48-39 lead 
 
During the last quarter of play, SNU kept the momentum on their side and didn't allow SAU to sneak their way back in. Southern Nazarene ended the night on a positive note, winning in front of their home crowd, just in time before the GAC championship. 
 
The Crimson Storm will be back in the Sawyer Center, this Saturday, as they host Arkansas-Monticello for their regular season finale. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.