TOPEKA, Kans. — In a back-and-forth battle, Southern Nazarene came up short in the final seconds to Washburn in their first game of the Washburn Classic.
With 20 total lead changes and the largest lead at just eight points, it was a game down to the absolute wire. The Storm (1-3, 0-0 GAC) built a six-point lead in the third to keep Washburn off track, but the Ichabods (2-1, 0-0 MIAA) put together a comeback late in the third quarter that propelled them to the final two-point victory.
The offense came easy between both teams in the first quarter with it being a game of exchanges for much of the first 10 minutes. SNU's Hannah Giddey hit a layup to put the Storm up by one just before the quarter ended, but a pair of Washburn free throws would fall, allowing the Ichabods to head into the second quarter up 20-19.
It was a back-and-forth affair once more in the second quarter as each team continued to answer one another's attack. The offense for both sides fell later in the second with a scoring drought lasting for three minutes. Payton Jones was able to wake the Storm back up, drilling a three-ball with four minutes left, putting the Storm up 28-23. Washburn was able to crawl their way back to a lead in the final few minutes, ending the first half up 33-32 over SNU.
SNU came out of the break on fire with Cassandra Awatt, Emily Monaghan, and Hannah Giddey putting up a six-point lead two minutes into the third quarter. SNU's lead was quickly reclaimed by the Ichabods, who pieced together a couple of threes and key buckets to sit atop SNU 44-41 with under two minutes remaining. Free throws would be highlighted the rest of the quarter, and Washburn stayed on top 50-44 with one final 10 minutes to be played.
Washburn extended their lead to eight at the start of the fourth quarter, but Awatt quickly cut that back down to four all on her own with a bucket and a pair of free throws. The Ichabods continued to get shots to fall, but SNU stayed in the fight. Free throws between Monaghan and Georgia Adams put SNU within two with two minutes left in the game. Play continued and a Washburn bucket would set SNU back three with 14 seconds remaining.
Jones was fouled with six seconds remaining, earning a trip to the foul line to bring the Storm within one. Jones was only able to get one to fall, putting the Storm within two with six minutes left on the clock. Washburn turned it over in the next possession, leaving SNU a chance to tie the game or win it with a three-ball. Jones was awarded the final shot attempt, but her shot from deep was off the mark. Washburn pulled down the rebound and ended victorious with a final score of 65-63.
Awattt led the team with 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Adams worked for 13 points, six boards, and two assists. Jones added in 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists, also going 2-5 from the three.
Giddey had nine points to go along with six boards and a block.
SNU has one final game in Kansas, suiting up to play Pittsburg State Saturday, November 19th at 1:00 PM.
