BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - After coming off a record-breaking 2018-19 season, where the Storm notched the first GAC tournament win in school history, SNU found themselves in the same tough situation. This time, just a game earlier in the quarterfinals against Henderson State. In the same overtime fashion, the Crimson Storm fought hard but were left with the short end of the stick as the Reddies ended their season.
 
In their 78-74 overtime loss, Southern Nazarene showed incredible resiliency as they battled back from a 14-point halftime deficit. When things seemed like they were finished, SNU answered the call every time up until the last whistle.
 
The Crimson Storm led the Reddies statistically from the floor and behind the arc as they turned in a 38.6 field-goal percentage while shooting 41.2% from the three-point line. SNU held HSU to just 35.6% from the floor and 30% from behind the arc.
 
As it has been all season, Southern Nazarene were tenacious on defense, forcing 15 turnovers and denying 10 shots. Apart from defense, SNU also led the Reddies in the paint as they finished with 32 points to the 30 of HSU. This wasn't enough as free-throws would ultimately plague Southern Nazarene in the season finale.
 
SNU got off to a rather cold start, scoring just seven points to the 16 of HSU in the first quarter, on 2-of-10 shooting. However, the Storm didn't allow for this start to slow them down as they revived to score 14 points in the second, but still were behind 14 going into the break.
 
Head Coach Trent May must've had some fiery words during the break because the Storm came out on fire, posting their highest scoring quarter of the season with 27 points. SNU hit four triples and shot 57.1% from the floor in the quarter. With Henderson leading 49-48 going in the fourth quarter, the Storm had it in their minds to not let their flame extinguish as they put together a triumphant comeback.
 
In the final moments of the fourth, Abby Niehues and Emily Monaghan stepped up to help their team to the extra period. Monaghan would put in a layup at the 4:19 mark to make the score 62-61, HSU. Shortly after, Monaghan would go to the line to put one more point on the board, bringing the score to 62-66. An absolute dime from Alexis Jones to Niehues would give the Storm the tying 66-66 basket, promoting overtime.
 
The extra-time period got off to a slow start for the Storm, but Kennedy Gillette would prevail as the hero. With just 40.3 seconds left on the clock, and Henderson leading 73-68, Gillette would convert a three pointer, after being fouled. Freshman Cassandra Awatt would grab the rebound from Gillette's free-throw attempt and pass back to Gillette, who would make a jumper, making the score 75-73 with 38 seconds left. However, HSU would close the door on the amazing comeback, leaving the final score at 78-74.
 
Junior Kennedy Gillette led the Storm in scoring as she finished with 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting. Gillette also brought down five rebounds and collected an assist. Alexus Jones clawed her way to a double-double, posting 15 points and 10 rebounds while dishing out six assists. Myriam Garcia would play her last game at SNU in an outstanding fashion, finishing with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and a season-high five assists.
 
Abby Niehues was also stingy defensively as she posted a career-high eight blocks en route to her 14-point total. Emily Monaghan was a productive asset off the bench as she chimed in 12 points, knocking down two triples.
 
Southern Nazarene ends their season with a 17-10 overall record, but can hold their heads high knowing they fought till the last second.