BETHANY, Okla. - The Crimson Storm started Thanksgiving break hosting the Missouri Southern Lions for an afternoon game inside the Sawyer Center. The Storm took down the Central Region rival, 73-52, to move on to 5-0 on the season.

Southern Nazarene (5-0, 0-0 GAC) looked to be the first GAC team to take down the Lions (2-1, 0-0 MIAA) this season. The Lions defeated both Henderson State and Harding earlier this season, both schools in the Great American Conference. They are also coming off of a strong season last year, where they went 29-7 winning the MIAA Conference Tournament and making it into the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Both squads traded possessions and points to begin the game. The Lions struggled to defend a tough Hannah Giddey in the paint but stayed close in score. MSSU tied the score at nine  thanks to a Kaitlin Hunnicutt three-pointer. Giddey continued working, scoring 10 of the first 11 points for the Storm. Another Giddey layup and two blocks ended the quarter, with the Storm leading, 13-10.

Lauryn Reither opened the second quarter with a jumper stretching the SNU lead 15-10. A Lions layup and made jumper cut the SNU lead to one leading Head Coach Trent May to call a timeout. Shannon Burton sank a jumper while Jena Bay knocked down two free throws to put the Storm up 19-14. The two squads traded possessions and turns at the free-throw line to round out the quarter. Southern Nazarene held the lead, 26-24.

The Storm struck first, opening up the second half with a statement three-pointer from Reither. Abbie Jiles then made her way to the free throw line stretching the SNU lead to 31-24. Southern Nazarene continued their run eventually stretching it to eight points before the Lions got on the board for the first time of the half. The Crimson Storm continued to knock down shots in the paint and make free throws putting them ahead, 52-39 to end the third quarter.

SNU remained in control, continuing to play top-notch defense while making shot after shot in the paint. Numerous Storm members made their way to the free throw line taking advantage of MSSU fouls. Carley Gassaway helped continue the offensive fire hitting a quick jumper and sinking in two free throws to end the game. The Storm ultimately came out on top 73-52 over the Lions.

Hannah Giddey led the Storm collecting her first double-double of the season scoring 20 points and collecting 12 rebounds. Lauryn Reither continued to be a catalyst for SNU scoring 16 points to go alongside seven assists. Abbie Jiles also hit double-digit scoring tallying 10 points on the day.

Next Up

The Storm is set to host Lubbock Christian on Saturday, November 25th. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. in the Sawyer Center.