BETHANY, Okla.—Despite playing shorthanded, Southern Nazarene secured a 74-66 victory over Ouachita Baptist on Thursday night inside the Sawyer Center.
Southern Nazarene (9-2, 5-0 GAC) quickly took control of the game, starting with a 13-2 lead and eventually extending it to 26-8. The team's success from three-point range in the first half, making 6 of their first 7 shots, helped contribute to their strong performance. They finished the first half 8-of-13 from deep.
The Crimson Storm eventually carried a 38-23 lead into the break after Eain Mowat connected on his fourth three of the half just before time ran out. Mowat and Javon Jackson combined for 27 points in that first half.
Ouachita Baptist (4-5, 2-3 GAC) struggled offensively in the first half, making just 7 of 21 shots from the field, but mounted a comeback attempt in the second half with a 15-0 run that brought them within 8 points of the Crimson Storm. They later reduced the lead to just 5 points with just over one minute left in the game. SNU's strong performance from the free throw line in the second half, where they made 19-of-21 shots, ultimately helped them secure the win.
Jackson led the team with 23 points, including 5 three-pointers. He also dished out 4 assists.
Tyler McGhie scored 19 points, with the majority of his damage coming from the charity stripe. He knocked down 12 of his 15 attempts at the line.
Nick Davis recorded his second double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Eain Mowat earned his first career start and did not disappoint. He scored 12 points and came up with some huge loose balls for the Crimson Storm.
Southern Nazarene has now won seven straight games and remain atop the Great American Conference standings. They will face Henderson State this Saturday, January 7th at 3:00 p.m. following the women's game. SNU won all three games against the Reddies last year.
