BETHANY, Okla.—Southern Nazarene has become accustomed to finding ways to win tight games down the stretch, but unfortunately for the Storm that was not the case on Thursday night as Southern Arkansas edged the Crimson Storm 71-68 inside the Sawyer Center.
Southern Nazarene (17-8, 12-7 GAC) led throughout most of the game, building a lead as many as nine points, but Southern Arkansas (16-9, 12-7 GAC) finally grabbed their first lead of the game with 4:28 remaining. SNU then regained the lead momentarily, but the Muleriders took the lead for good on a Devante Brooks jumper with 2:12 remaining.
The Mulriders knocked down three straight clutch jump shots in the final couple minutes of the game, putting pressure on the Crimson Storm. Trailing by three points with 15 seconds remaining, Southern Nazarene had one last chance to tie the game. They struggled to get a good look at the basket, though, causing Xavier Bryant to have to throw up a 35 foot prayer. He nearly banked it in, but it would be just a bit too strong as the ball bounced off the rim, giving SAU a three point win.
The Crimson Storm were red-hot in the first half but were unable to carry that over to the second half. They buried 14 of their 22 shots (63.6%) in the first half, including an incredible 7-of-11 (63.6%) from deep. They hit just 2-of-10 (20%) from deep in the second half, though, as Southern Arkansas clamped down on defense.
A big disparity in the game came from the charity stripe. After getting to the line nine times in the first half, SNU did not attempt a single free throw in the second half. On the other side, Southern Arkansas attempted 10 shots from the stripe in the second half, knocking down eight straight to close out the game.
Tyler McGhie continued his impressive play from Monday night. After pouring in 26 points against Oklahoma Baptist, he added another 25 on Thursday night. In the last two games, McGhie has connected on 57% of his shots (20-for-35).
Nick Davis and Adokiye Iyaye also finished in double-figures, scoring 12 and 10 points, respectively. Davis continues to be extremely efficient with his chances, going 5-for-6 from the floor on Thursday and upping his season field goal percentage to 72%, easily ranking first in the Great American Conference.
The loss now brings Southern Nazarene into a tie for fourth place with Southern Arkansas in the GAC standings, one game behind Northwestern Oklahoma State, whom SNU will meet next Thursday. Prior to that matchup, the Storm will host Arkansas-Monticello on Saturday. SNU defeated Monticello 53-45 in Arkansas earlier this season. Tipoff is set for 3:00 p.m. inside the Sawyer Center following the women's game.
