KANSAS CITY, Mo.—After a dominating opening day win over St. Cloud State yesterday, the shots did not fall SNU's way on Saturday as the Crimson Storm were upset 75-72 by Sioux Falls at the Central Region Challenge in Kansas City.
Southern Nazarene (1-1, 0-0 GAC) ran away from Sioux Falls (1-0, 0-0 NSIC) at the Central Region Challenge last season, but the Cougars got their revenge on Saturday by sneaking past the Storm in a tight contest throughout.
After a back-and-forth start, the Crimson Storm appeared to have found their footing and built a 25-16 first half lead, but the Cougars closed the half on a 15-5 run to carry a one point advantage into the half. The Storm shot 54% from the field yesterday, but were limited to just 38% shooting from the floor in the first half on Saturday.
Sioux Falls was the one to build a lead in the second half. They used a big surge midway through the half to jump in front 54-45. SNU battled back, though, scoring 10 straight and regaining a slim 55-54 advantage. The teams then traded punches, but it was the three-point shooting of Sioux Falls that ultimately was the difference. They were a perfect 6-for-6 from beyond the arc in the second-half, including the go-ahead three-point shot with just over a minute to play.
Trailing by three with eight seconds left, the Crimson Storm were left with one last opportunity to tie the game, but Tyler McGhie's shot would not fall, giving Sioux Falls the slim three point win.
Southern Nazarene was sensational at the charity stripe, finishing 25-of-27 for the game. They knocked down their first 23 attempts before finally missing two attempts late in the second half.
The biggest difference in the game proved to be in the turnover department as SNU's 12 turnovers resulted in 22 points for the Cougars. On the other side, Sioux Falls turned it over 9 times, but it only resulted in 11 SNU points.
Nick Davis was the lead man offensively for SNU. He totaled 17 points, including shooting a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line.
Freshman Javon Jackson was big for the Crimson Storm, as well. He finished with 15 points on three made shots from the outside.
Tyler McGhie and Adokiye Iyaye each totaled 13 points in the game.
Southern Nazarene will have a big opportunity to bounce back next time out. The Storm host Lubbock Christian next Saturday, who currently ranks no. 16 in the nation. These two teams have not met since 2012. Tipoff is set for 3:00 p.m. inside the Sawyer Center.
