ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Crimson Storm hit the road to open up their season at the Central Region Crossover Tournament. The Storm went head to head with top region talent No. 2 ranked Minnesota State-Mankato. The Storm offense surged in the second half to defeat the Mavericks, 73-56.

The Storm (1-0,0-0 GAC) is coming off of a successful season last year, being named the Regular Season GAC Champions as well as the GAC Tournament Champions. Ranked No. 2 in the 2023 preseason poll, the Mavericks (2-2, 0-0 NSIC) of Mankato also saw success last season, posting a 26-5 overall record and making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. This matchup marks the first meeting ever between the two teams.

The Mavericks got off to a quick offensive start, springing a 5-0 run on SNU early. It did not take long for the Storm to halt the Maverick's offense, tying the score at 5-5. Both squads continued to go back and forth from there but the Crimson Storm ultimately pulled away to a 12-8 lead off of a big three from Abbie Jiles. Mankato did not go away easily, as they went on a 4-0 run to end the first quarter. The Storm held a 13-12 lead to enter the second quarter of the game. 

The two teams continued to trade points and possessions to begin the second quarter. SNU began to pull away thanks to free throws made by Emily Monaghan and Jiles. This gave them a four-point lead to end the half, 34-30. 

Mankato scored four quick buckets off layups tying the score at 34-34. From there the Mavericks started to pull away but the Storm was not far behind. The two teams continued to trade points keeping the score close. Southern Nazarene stole the lead back with a fast break layup from Monaghan, courtesy of Lauryn Reither. The Storm controlled the rest of the quarter remaining in the lead and they entered the final quarter ahead 56-52.

The Storm opened the fourth quarter with an offensive outburst, striking the Mavericks with a lethal 12-0 run. Multiple layups from Reither caused Mankato to take a time-out, but SNU kept rolling. After the break, Hannah Duncan sunk a three to extend the Crimson Storm lead to 65-54. They continued to lead the offensive battle for the remainder of the quarter and Monaghan sunk in a big three to finish the game, leaving the final score, 73-56. 

Reither led the SNU offense with a career-high 26 points as well as six rebounds and two assists.  Monaghan followed with 14 points of her own. Hannah Giddey finished the game with 10 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists.

Next Up

Southern Nazarene will play their final game of the Central Region Crossover Tournament against Minot State on Saturday, November 11 at 12:30 p.m. in St. Joseph, Mo.