BETHANY, Okla. — Backed by a powerful defense, Southern Nazarene tacked on its first win of the season in a 26-point victory over Arkansas Fort Smith Wednesday evening inside the Sawyer Center.
Forcing 26 Lion turnovers that turned into 30 points, the Storm (1-2, 0-0 GAC) caused problems for UAFS all game long. SNU's offense also shined, posting a 44% shooting clip and doing wonders from the free throw line as they went 12-13 on the evening. The Lions (0-3, 0-0 LSC) gave SNU a scare late in the second quarter, rallying back to bring the game within two, but SNU's aggressive defense waved off the potential UAFS comeback.
SNU started the game off strong, largely led by guard Cassandra Awatt who took control of the first quarter with 14 points and a perfect 5-5 from the free throw line. Awatt's performance would propel SNU to a 22-10 lead at the end of the first 10 minutes.
A couple of Storm turnovers in the second quarter allowed the Lions to inch their way closer into the game, getting within two at 26-24 with four minutes left before halftime. Buckets by Emily Monaghan and Hannah Giddey would keep the Lions at bay, defending their lead by growing to 31-24 at the half.
Mistakes were hard to find in the second half as SNU started the next 10 minutes with a 3-0 run. Awatt continued to pile on the points, helping SNU to a 16-point lead halfway through the third. The Lions could not stop the Storm's momentum, and SNU headed into the final 10 minutes up 50-33.
Awatt and Georgia Adams were the offensive machines in the fourth quarter, combining for 10 points to help SNU pack on more points in the final stretch. The lead was just too great for UAFS to recover, and SNU finished with a 69-43 victory over the Lions, making it their first win of the 2022-2023 season.
Almost tallying her career high in points, Awatt led the way on offense with 27. The senior also was a problem on the defensive end, securing 13 boards and three steals, making it her first double-double of the season.
Adams continued her energy in this game, finishing with 14 points to go along with six rebounds, four steals, and two assists.
Monaghan stepped up big, tallying seven points, three assists, two rebounds, and a steal. Hannah Giddey was right there with her, scoring six while adding five boards, two assists, and three blocks.
Lillie Smith also contributed six points for the Storm.
SNU will head to Topeka, Kansas on a high note, competing in the Washburn Classic where they will first play Washburn Friday, November 18th at 6:00 PM.
