BETHANY, OK – It was an emotional day for the Southern Nazarene Women's basketball team Seniors as they would grace the floor of Bobby Martin court for the last time in a regular-season matchup. In a battle that went down to the wire, the Crimson Storm (9-7, 9-7 GAC) could not pull out a win as Southeastern (11-7, 11-7 GAC) would spoil the day as they prevailed 59-58 over SNU.

The Crimson Storm would honor four beloved seniors on today, Abby Niehues, Julia Schwake, and Massey Beard. Each of these ladies have made their mark on SNU athletics in their respective ways. 

As for the game, the Storm would finish at a 36.1% shooting clip, a bit lower than the 44.4% SEOSU came away with. SNU controlled the boards by a 36-29 margin under the basket, as they've done all season. 

Southern Nazarene would also hold advantages in forced turnovers, points off those turnovers, and second-chance points. The bench would also chip in eight points while the Savage Storm's reserves were held to 0. 

A bit of today's celebration had to be put off as the two powerful teams head-to-head, starting with a battle-tested first half. Both teams shot under 33.3% as they struggled to put the ball in the basket. The second quarter was slightly different as the clubs started to find their rhythms, with SNU collecting 17 points. After these efforts, the two sat tied 27-27 going into the break.

In the third, the Storm would manage to edge the Savage Storm 15-14 to add some advantage going into the final quarter. SEOSU would create an early lead, but a resilient Alexus Jones would score six straight points to bring the Storm within two with a little over a minute left. A jumper and free-throw make from Payton Jones brought SNU within one, but time was not in favor as the clock expired 59-58, Southeastern.

Senior Alexus Jones led SNU with 14 points, six rebounds, and an assist. Cassandra Awatt followed close behind with 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting and three steals. Payton Jones would struggle shooting on her way to a 11-point performance. Still, the freshman managed to collect five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. 

Abby Niehues put together eight points and worked her way to nine rebounds. Other notables were Kennedy Gillette and Emily Monaghan who chipped in five and four points, respectively.

With today's loss, SNU holds a No. 3 standing in the GAC Western Division and will begin tournament play on Monday against the Oklahoma Baptist (4-16, 3-15 GAC) inside the Sawyer Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.