RUSSELLVILLE, Ark.—Southern Nazarene's eight-game winning streak came to an end as they fell on Thursday night in Russellville, 53-48 to Arkansas Tech.

As they have much of the year, Southern Nazarene (10-3, 6-1 GAC) came out strong. They built a lead as much as 12 points in the first half, but the Wonder Boys (8-5, 6-1 GAC) fought back quickly. By halftime, they had closed the gap to within three points at 28-25.

The second half was a physical battle throughout. The Storm held the lead for almost the entire half, but ATU finally jumped in front on a pair of free throws with 28 seconds left. SNU then had a chance to retake the lead, but Tyler McGhie's midrange floater would not fall. It bounced all around the rim before falling off and into Arkansas Tech's hands. Tech closed the game on a 13-0 run to steal the game from SNU.

Southern Nazarene's offense struggled throughout the game. They connected on just 14-of-42 (33.3%) shots, and only 5-of-22 (22.7%) shots in the second half. They also had their most turnovers in a game since 2017, with 22 total. As the clock ran down, the Storm were held scoreless for the final three and a half minutes and without a field goal for the final four and a half minutes.

Despite the loss, the defense remained a bright spot for the Crimson Storm. After holding ATU to just 53 points, SNU is now allowing just 59.3 points per game. That ranks first in the GAC and sixth overall in the nation.

Javon Jackson had another outstanding performance. He poured in a new high of 25 points and also came away with 4 steals.

Nick Davis nearly posted another double-double. He finished with 9 points and 10 rebounds.

The Storm will look to rebound on Saturday as they travel to Searcy to take on the Harding Bisons. The Storm have won 11 straight games dating back to 2016 against the Bisons. Tipoff with Harding is set for 3:00 p.m., following the women's game.